Wanda Geraline Richardson

Wanda Geraline ""Jerry"" Richardson, a long-time Poplar Bluff schoolteacher, died Aug. 30, 2010, at the age of 78.
Mrs. Richardson was born April 13, 1932, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., the only child of the late Harwood and Ruby (Davis) Inman. In 1949, she married Robert L Richardson, who preceded her in death in 2003.
After her five children were born, Wanda attended night school to earn a teaching degree from Arkansas State College in 1965. In 1961, she began her teaching career at Twin Springs Elementary. Later she taught at Williamson-Kennedy and Wheatley Elementary Schools. Wanda completed her professional career in 1987 at Poplar Bluff Junior High School, after 29 years of teaching service.
Wanda and Robert owned and operated a farm in Butler County for 54 years. After retirement, Wanda enjoyed the serenity of the family farm, daily observing a wealth of animals and birds and her beautiful rose garden. She treasured frequent visits with her children and grandchildren. In earlier years, Wanda was a leader of a local Girl Scout Troup. Wanda was a member of the First Christian Church of Poplar Bluff.
The Richardsons had five children, all of whom survive: Ruth Ann (Richardson) and Leslie Nations of O'Fallon, Ill.; Guy Richardson; Mark and Kathy Richardson; Matthew Richardson, all of Poplar Bluff; and Cathy (Richardson) and John Likens of Columbia, Ill. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren: Stephanie (Nations) Holten, Jennifer (Nations) Redmon, and Catherine Nations; Kathryn, Laurie (Givand), and Gil Richardson; Todd, Chris, and Megan Richardson; Brian and Blythe Richardson; Jim, Sarah, and Robert Likens; and eight great-grandchildren, Connor, Taylor, and Jordon Holten, Reagan and Addison Redmon, Sawyer Richardson, and Abigail and Megan Givand. Also surviving is sister-in-law, Betty Jo Head.
Visitation will be at the Cotrell Funeral Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Christian Church of Poplar Bluff. Dr. Steven Williams will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Robert and Wanda Scout Richardson Endowment Fund, c/o First Christian Church, 1601 N. Main, Poplar Bluff, MO, 63901.
The Richardson family expresses their deepest gratitude to the doctors who cared for Wanda, the staff of The Cedargate, and the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for their help and support.