Dorothy Ann Richardson

“Direct my steps according to your word. (Pslams 119:133) Teach me to number my days aright that I may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalms 90:12)” Dorothy Ann (Andrews) Richardson was born on the 25th of November, 1934 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Born into the arms of Bishop and Nettie Andrews, she was the 10th of 12 children. Upon graduating, she joined the late Reverend Robert Lee Richardson in marriage on February 16th, 1956. In union and adoration, they parented two daughters, Rachaelle Lynne Richardson and Dawn Angela Mickens. Dorothy worked as a Service Representative for the Social Security Administration for many years and upon retiring, transitioned to her life passion as a caregiver with Home Instead Senior Care. That passion further enabled her to create J.O.Y. Ministry (Jesus Over You) as her own entrepreneurial pursuit in the field of caregiving. During her tenure in the Federal Government, she received numerous Superior Performance Achievement Awards for exemplary work such as outstanding performance and dedication in servicing the public. Dorothy was loved by her many hospice clients and those whom lives she impacted. Her love for God poured over into her work through ministry and was pursued with a humble heart. A word that many frequently heard spill from her tongue was JOY. The joy of the Lord remained her strength throughout her many years. As Psalms 104:33 reads, “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” Her prayer was that she lived out the plan God had for her life. Because of her status as a military wife and dependent, she was rewarded the opportunity to embark on many memorable adventures alongside her adored husband such as her long-term travels to Okinawa, Panama and Hong Kong. In between travels, mothering and being a devoted wife, she enjoyed playing the organ, singing in the praise ministry and gardening. Dorothy also enjoyed preparing memorable meals and investing in holidays that celebrated the Joy of the Lord. Many of these memories and traditions have been passed down to the next generation. She preserved the memories through valuables she collected along the way. Her most praised trips were those to the Holy Land of Jerusalem, Africa and her tour of Europe. Every dream she set out to accomplish under Gods will, was completed. The philosophy she carried was that “There is a preponderance of good in everybody.” Quoted by her directly, “Be yourself. You can change yourself but you can’t change people.” Dorothy Richardson was predeceased by her loving husband, Reverend Robert Lee Richardson; daughter, Rachaelle Lynne Richardson; 8 brothers and 1 sister. She leaves to cherish her memory 1 sister, Inez Jackson of Detroit, MI and 1 brother, Nathaniel Andrews of Johnstown, PA and a host of nieces and nephews. With much love, she leaves behind her wisdom and legacy to her daughter, Dawn Angela Mickens (Darryl Mickens); her granddaughters, Tanisha Jacobs (James Jacobs); Jaeda Lee Makkers (Dave Makkers), Jenae Ann Mickens; grandson, Darryl Joshua Mickens; and great-grandson Mason Kai Makkers. Dorothy Ann will be forever missed... In lieu of flowers, Dorothy's family requests you make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html.