When the time comes to bid this life farewell, we should find comfort in knowing that a loving God will be there with us to guide us to our new home.

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Theodore Lavon Richardson February 2, 1940 – December 28, 2025

Theodore Lavon Richardson, affectionately known to many as Ted and lovingly called “Jake” by those closest to him, was born on February 2, 1940, in Chesapeake, Virginia, to William and Mary Richardson. He was the youngest of six children and was cherished deeply within his family from the very beginning.

Ted was educated in the Chesapeake City Schools and graduated from Crestwood High School, where his love for music first began to take shape. Guided by talent, discipline, and a deep passion for teaching, he continued his education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Never one to stop learning, Ted later pursued and earned his Master’s Degree in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.

In 1963, Ted began what would become a lifelong calling when he started his teaching career in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, at the historic John J. Wright Consolidated School. It was there that he not only found his professional purpose, but also met the love of his life, Lola Fortune, whom he would marry and cherish for 58 devoted years. Their love story was one of partnership, faith, and unwavering commitment.

Ted dedicated his life to Music Education, leaving an indelible mark on every school and community he served. Throughout his distinguished career, he inspired and nurtured generations of students at John Yeates High School, Manor High School, Howard University, Trevilians Elementary School, and Louisa County High School. His passion for music went beyond instruction—he believed in the power of music to shape character, build confidence, and bring people together. In 1998, after more than three decades of faithful service, Ted retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Richardson, two sisters, Earline Riddick and Joan Brown, two brothers, Bennie Lee Richardson and William Richardson, Jr., and a sister-in-law, Joyce Fortune Arrington.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Lola Fortune Richardson, his beloved daughter, Tedra Lynne Richardson and her husband Steven Rolon, and a loving granddaughter, Kamaya Simone Perry. One sister, Vivian Richardson Tolliver, two brothers-in-law, Ashland Fortune and Ollie Brown, Jr., two sisters-in-law, Leatrice Price and Mary Fortune; as well as two aunts, Audrey Perkins and Elisha Scott. Seven nieces - Reta Taylor, Valerie Brown, Cheryl Banks, Angela Riddick, Darla Price, Dianna Fortune and Kimberly Fortune. Five nephews - William Richardson, III, Lewis Richardson, Larry Riddick (Gloria), Daryl Brown and Kevin Brown.

He also leaves a host of great-nieces and great nephews to cherish his memory. As well as his Band Warrior Brothers - Richard Vaughan and Elston Fitzgerald, and dear friends William and Dorothy Hart, James and Mary Robinson.

Above all, Ted was a loving husband, a devoted family man, a mentor, and a servant-leader. His gentle spirit, steady guidance, and deep love for others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a beautiful composition—rich with love, purpose, and harmony—and its melody will continue to echo through the lives he touched.

Though he has taken his final bow, the music of Theodore Lavon Richardson’s life will play on forever in our hearts.

Philippians 2:16-17 “holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you kindly make donations to the following in Ted’s memory:

Louisa Education Foundation, P.O. Box 1195, Louisa, VA 23093

louisaeducationfoundation.org

Louisa County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, 105 Woolfolk Ave., Louisa, VA 23093.

To the Richardson family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.

It is during such times as these that we draw upon our faith, stand upon our scriptures, and rely upon our God. There is no question that in this and through this, God will keep you, comfort you, and sustain you. You and your family are forever in our prayers.