Barbara Lee Richardson

“Your resilience is the quiet strength that carries you through.”

Resilience and strength are just a few words that characterize the essence of the spirit of Barbara Richardson. She walked her journey of life exuding the epitome of class and elegance. In the face of any life challenges she encountered, she would not only always rise like a phoenix, but she also gathered impeccable strength and wisdom along the way. Barbara was a loved and respected family matriarch who had a heart of gold and spared no words as she lovingly shared that abundance of wisdom.

Barbara Lee Richardson, 84, of Abington PA valiantly transitioned from this life surrounded by her family on March 10, 2025, after a hard-fought and vigorous battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Barbara’s legacy of strength, resilience and wisdom started with humble beginnings as she was born in Richmond, VA on May 11, 1940, a daughter of the late Harriet (Hawthorne) Joyner and Alonzo Walter Courtney. She spent her early years in Virginia before relocating with her family to Philadelphia at the tender age of three years old but enjoyed frequent trips back to her “birthplace home” throughout her adulthood to visit family.

Her formal educational years in the Philadelphia school system culminated in Barbara graduating from the prestigious Philadelphia High School for Girls, where her daughters, Donna (#225) and Kimberly (#243) attended as well. While she enjoyed a variety of work experiences over the years, she eventually settled at Motorola, utilizing her finance and mathematical expertise as a cash application specialist. She was a valuable asset to the company, made many fond work friendships and, after 30 years of loyal and dedicated service, she retired in 2023.

Barbara ran her life race with boldness, courage, and endurance. She was the loving wife of the late William Buccannon Richardson, Sr. and was committed to being the best wife and mother she could be. She loved traveling and enjoyed a nice hotel. She also had a passion for fashion, was always a “sharp” dresser, and loved getting her hair and nails done and derived much joy from spending time with her family and close friends. Music was a huge part of her life and she enjoyed listening to a variety of genres, especially “the oldies”, entertaining, and dancing a good cha-cha and bop. In her later years, she was fond of enjoying her home, relaxing with family/friends, and watching her soap operas, game shows and court shows. She also found joy in the comfort of her faith in Jesus Christ and the knowledge that that’s where her strength and resilience originated.

Barbara is survived by her children, J Pamela Ray, William Richardson Jr, Antonio Richardson, Donna Marie Richardson-Rowlett (Aaron), Mark Richardson, Sr. (Asia) and Kimberly McKenzie Lee (Darryl). She is survived by one sister, Diane Joyner and a heart-full of loving grandchildren: Philip, Aric, Tanisha, Akim, Tia, Bill, Nicole, LaToya (Brian), Kyle, Mark (Regina), Cinquetta, Parabron, Ameliana and Sydney. Barbara also thoroughly loved and enjoyed her host of great-grandkids, her one great-great grandson and her nieces/nephews. She is predeceased by her daughter, Doretha Richardson, her sister, Delores Hawks, her brothers, Mickey Eugene Joyner and Melvin Joyner and her granddaughter, Remieka Hart.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”2 Timothy 4:7

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on March 22, 2025 from 8-10am and to her Celebration of Life at 10am, both held at Salem Baptist Church of Abington, 2741 Woodland Ave, Abington, PA 19001. A livestream can also be found on Facebook and YouTube by searching Salem Baptist Church of Abington.

In honor of Barbara’s “COPD Warrior” status and, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation (copdfoundation.org) or the American Lung Association (lung.org).

Services entrusted to the Walter J. Meyers Funeral Home, Jenkintown, PA.

Condolences: www. MeyersFH.com