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| Alpha: 1941--Omega 2017 |
Deacon Joseph Richardson was seventh of nine brothers and one sister born to the late Supt. Thomas Alexander Richardson and the late Missionary Melisa Wheat Richardson on December 12, 1941 in Independence, Louisiana
Deacon Richardson was educated in the Tangipahoa Parish School System at Westside High School. He later attended and graduated from Southern University in 1966, with a bachelor's degree in Social Studies and minor in English. In 1968, he proudly served in the United States Army. During his tour in Pleiku, Vietnam, he taught English to students who were obtaining GED equivalent. In 1974, he obtained a Master of Education degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in Administration and Supervision with a minor in Special Education. His educational career ended in 1977 with a Master of Education plus thirty.
In 1966, he began his teaching career at Westside High School in Amite as a social studies and reading teacher. He was known as a good disciplinarian and a better than average teacher who greeted everyone with his infectious smile. For the next 15 years, he worked as classroom teacher. He was later transferred to Loranger High School as Assistant Principal. Two years later he was appointed principal at Spring Creek High School He was awarded Educator of the year in 1980. The following year, he became principal at Jewel B Sumner High School. He concluded his administrative career at Roseland Elementary. Throughout his career, he was affiliated with numerous professional organizations.
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| Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
Deacon Joseph Richardson retired after thirty three years of service in 1999, only to come out of retirement in 2003 to become Principal of Gordon-Richardson Christian Academy. This school was birthed in the heart of the is oldest brother, Supt. Samuel Richardson. It was a place where children were loved and taught biblical principles as well as secular courses. As a lifelong, faithful member of Gordon-Richardson Temple of Deliverance, he served in as administrative capacity in addition to being a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Chairman of the Finance Committee and District Choir President. He also served as a spiritual mentor for many young men in the church.
Deacon Joseph joined the graduate chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and was awarded "Sigma Man of the Year" for the humanitarian efforts and commitment to the organization.
He leaves behind his wife, Joyce Jacob-Richardson, his children, Andre Richardson, Amite, Valencia (George) Sander, Baton Rouge, Daphne (Frederick) Hall, Lafayette, April (Gary) Bruns-Brister, Bogalusa; Earl (Diane) Richardson, Sr., Amite, Darnell (Gayle) Richardson, Hammond; sister-in-laws, Supervisor Dorothy J. Richardson, Amite, Betty Richardson, Amite, Bernice Franklin, Jackson, MS, Marvis Jacobs, Killed, TX, Nettie (Clinton) Frazier, Bogalusa; brother-in-law Larry (Gail) Jacobs, Houma; a God-daughter, Deandria Harrell, numbeous nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Supt. Thomas Alexander Richardson and the late Missionary Melisa Wheat Richardson, his sister, Helenstine Richardson Williams and five brothers Thomas Richardson, Sr., Walter Richardson, Sr., Alex Richardson, Jr., Supt. Samuel Richardson and Elder Nathaniel Richardson, Sr.,
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| Andre Richardson Photo Credit: Antoinette Harrell |
