Nellie Richardson

Nellie Mae Thomas Richardson was born July 23, 1922 in Whitmire, SC and died December 15, 2018 at Springfield Place, Newberry.. She is the daughter of Algie Lee and Ioline Austin Thomas. She graduated as Valedictorian of her senior class at Whitmire High School. While working at the Whitmire Public Library, she met the man who would become her husband of 73 years, Ned M. Richardson. They married April 12, 1941 and became the parents of two daughters, Neda and Kay. Nellie worked for JP Stevens in both Whitmire and Greenville. She retired from the Dunean Plant where she worked in the Insurance Office.

Upon their retirement, Ned and Nellie moved to Newberry where they lived on Main Street . They became members of Central United Methodist Church. Nellie was an avid reader and especially enjoyed Agatha Christie books and poetry. She could recite poems for all occasions. She loved to knit, crochet, cook and garden. Most of all she loved to learn. She got a computer in her 70’s and mastered it. Friends appreciated the newsy letters she wrote in order to stay in touch.

Nellie cherished her family and her many friends. She was beautiful both inside and out. Many will remember her quick wit which she kept until the very end.

Nellie is predeceased by her Husband, Ned Richardson; Daughter, Neda Harbin; Sister, Grace Thomas Jerdo; Brother, Haskell Thomas; Parents, Algie and Ioline Thomas; and her beloved poodle, Taffy.

She is survived by daughter, Kay Richardson of Columbia; granddaughter, Kristen Harbin Novack of Ray City,Georgia; and her special friend, Becky Gadry of Summerville.

The family would like to express appreciation to Springfield Place in Newberry for the love and care she received during her many years there. A special thank you to the skilled and caring staff of Unit 4 – JF Hawkins and Dr. Bernardo and staff for making her last weeks as comfortable as possible.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to : Epworth Children’s Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250 or to Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center, 5866 Bradford Road, N. Hahira, GA 31632.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 pm Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. David Surrett. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home.

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