Charlene George Richardson, age 103, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025. Born on June 20, 1921, in Dover, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Mary Ross George and Lennie Gary George, Sr. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Leon Richardson, and her brother, Lennie Gary George, Jr.
Mrs. Richardson is survived by her two daughters, Sandra Richardson Bagley (Samuel Scott Bagley) of Kosciusko, Mississippi, and Marcia Richardson Fowler (Dee Oscar Fowler) of Fairhope, Alabama. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Drew Bagley Myers (Steven Holland Myers) of Kosciusko, Mississippi, and James Cleveland Fowler (Margaret McCrummen Fowler) of Jacksonville, Florida. Her great-grandchildren, William Holland Myers, Samuel Ewing Myers, James McCrummen Fowler, and Catherine Everette Fowler, brought her immeasurable pride and joy.
As an adult, Mrs. Richardson lived and worked in Nashville, Tennessee. It was there, during World War II, that she met her husband, Leon. Their secret elopement marked the beginning of 53 years of happy marriage. A child of the Great Depression, she carried with her a lifelong determination to create security and opportunity for her family—a value that shaped her remarkable life.
A woman of great gumption, Mrs. Richardson lived independently in Fayetteville well into her 103rd year. She was a constant presence in her community and church, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Charlene.” Her devotion to her family was unwavering, and she took immense joy in her grandchildren, celebrating and championing their every pursuit.
Before retiring from her work with the City of Fayetteville, Mrs. Richardson built a life filled with purpose and faith. She and her husband moved to Fayetteville to raise their daughters, establishing a legacy of love and service.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Minister Charles Abernathy and Rev. Dr. Norman McCrummen will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Washington Street Church of Christ, PO Box 324, Fayetteville, Tennessee, 37334, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family Charlene George Richardson.