Richardson, Bessie

Florence – Funeral service for Mrs. Bessie Scipio Richardson will be conducted 12 Noon Friday, March 25, 2011 at Salem U.M. Church, 5814 Old River Rd., Florence. Interment will follow at Florence National Cemetery directed by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC. Mrs. Richardson, the daughter of the late Evans and Lula Murdock Scipio was born in Florence County on March 6, 1928. She died on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Carolinas Hospital System after an extended illness. She was a graduate of Wilson High School and continued her studies at Allen University where she received a degree in Education. Beginning her teaching career at Bonaire Elementary School, she enjoyed teaching her 5th and 6th grade students (her little raccoons). She was a dedicated teacher for 30 years in the Florence County School District. Mrs. Richardson was joined in holy matrimony to the late Rev. Moses Richardson and then became a dedicated member of Salem U.M. Church where served as President of the United Methodist Women, sang in the choir, work with the youth and taught Sunday School until her declined. An active member in the community, Mrs. Richardson was an enthusiastic Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Moses Richardson and two brothers, Lewis Scipio and Raleigh Scipio. Survivors include two daughters, Dr. Molette (John) Bradley of Commerce, GA and Felicia (Phillip) Boykin of Montclair, NJ; six step-daughters, Luretha (George) Davis, Ettaphine James, Diane (Allen) Freeman, Nadine Johnson, Yvonne (Clyde) Williams and Linda Brooks; fourteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Alonza (Elizabeth) Scipio of Florence, SC and Robert (Roberta) Scipio of Pennsylvania, PA; brother-in-law, Jeremiah Richardson of Portsmouth, VA ; sister-in-law, Thomasina Atwell of Washington, DC; nieces; nephews; a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends at the home, 3101 S. Cashua Dr., Florence.