Dorothy M. Williams Richardson – White Oak, formerly of McKeesport

Former McKeesport resident Dorothy M. Williams Richardson, 84, of White Oak, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 23, 2024. She was sur rounded by family members. She was born and raised in Clairton on Aug. 17, 1940 to the late Essie Williams Sr. and the late Donnie Pringle Williams. Dorothy is also preceded in death by her husband, Rudy Eugene Richardson (57 years of marriage); 10 brothers, David, Oscar, George, John, James, Clarence, Essie Jr., Robert, Charles and Arthur Lee; and one sister, Bernice. Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Tonya Johnson and her son-in-law, Gerald M. Johnson of Montclair, N.J.; and two grandchildren, Deven Johnson and Bria Johnson of Montclair, N.J. She is also survived by one sister, Vauline Wallace of Gary, Ind.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was affectionately known as “Dottie.” Dorothy graduated in 1959 from Clairton High School, where she participated on the volleyball and basketball teams. In 1976, Dorothy received an associate degree in child development at Community College in Pittsburgh. She also continued her higher education at Point Park College in Pittsburgh as well as Penn State University in McKeesport. When she entered the field of early childhood education, she moved up quickly from teacher’s aide to assistant teacher to director. With an entrepreneurial mindset and enthusiasm for helping young people and their families, she eventually went into business for herself by launching independent home daycare establishments in the two homes she and her husband had. Dorothy worked in the education industry for 37 years throughout the Greater Pittsburgh area. As a successful director and business owner, she was often approached by industry organizations who were looking for someone with the right experience to lead the charge. As a resolute woman of faith, Dorothy spread the “good news” to people of all ages and social classes, starting in her own family and local community. In retirement, after studying theology courses at a local Bible college, in 2004 she was ordained as a minister of the Lighthouse of Peace Ministries. Under the leadership and encouragement of the late Rev. Dr. Quantanilla Nichols (a.k.a “Pastor Penny”), she and her husband, Rudy (a deacon ordained in 2004), fed God’s word to their fellow residents at the Senior Towers in McKeesport during that time. Over the years, the two were members of various local churches, including Bethlehem Baptist in McKeesport, and Elizabeth Nesmith in West Mifflin. After the death of her husband in August 2020, Dorothy became an active member of Port Vue United Methodist Church until she passed away. As one of the very first participants of Community Life Senior Day Center in McKeesport, Dorothy was a vital member of the community for more than 20 years. She poured through stacks of word search puzzles on the daily, loved singing in the choir, socializing, performing in holiday musicals, playing instruments, creating art projects, going on field trips and so much more. As a former elected member of the Community Life council board, she advocated for her fellow participants and friends who needed someone to give them a voice. May her light continue to shine in all of us. Visitation and funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Port Vue United Methodist Church, 1565 Washington Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15133, 412672-7289. Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m. with musical performances (during viewing) between 2 to 3 p.m. The funeral service is at 3 p.m. Interment at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Final celebration of life has been gently placed in the hands of HOUSE OF JACKSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Karl Jackson, FD, 724-3795420. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory may be mailed to the following addresses and/or websites: Port Vue United Methodist Church, 1565 Washington Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15133, www. portvueumc.org, and Community Life, 2400 Ardmore Blvd. #700, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, www.commlife.org/ make-a-donation/. Cards, condolences and memories may be shared at HOUSE OF JACKSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 546 Thompson Ave., Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-5420, Email: karljacksononly@ yahoo.com, www.houseofjacksonmemorialchapel. com/.