Leona Richardson died August 10, 2024, in Purcell, Oklahoma at the age of 84 years 1 month 15 days. Memorial Services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel.
Leona was born June 26, 1940, in Asher, Oklahoma, to James “Jim” William and May (Johnson) McBroom. It was in Asher that she found her roots and blossomed into the extraordinary individual we celebrate today.
In the tapestry of her life, Leona shared a love story with Earl Richardson, a union that commenced on January 12, 1961. Their bond stood unyielding until they separated 1978, leaving Leona to navigate the path ahead.
Faced with this pivotal moment, she pivoted from the world of construction to the noble realm of nursing. For four decades, her hands and heart served as a Certified Nurse Aide, a testament to her unwavering dedication to caring for others. Beyond her professional endeavors, Leona’s essence shone brightly through her passions.
A creator at heart, she found solace in the art of wine making and wood-crafts, yet it was in the nurturing embrace of her garden that she discovered true joy. Each year, a hint of whimsy would adorn her garden, a reflection of her vivacious spirit and creative flair. Leona found fulfillment in extending a helping hand to all in need. In the eyes of many, she was not only a grandmother to her own kin but a beacon of love and wisdom to the children who sought comfort in her presence. With a warm smile and open arms, she welcomed them into her fold, declaring each one as precious as her own.
In the quiet moments of leisure, Leona found peace by the waters, her fishing adventures a manifestation of her resilient spirit. Whether setting a trout line, casting a throw line, or daring the thrill of noodling, she approached life with the same vigor and determination that defined her character. Leona’s legacy is one of diligence and integrity, a testament to her firm belief in the value of hard work and the power of unity. To those fortunate enough to know her, she was a beacon of strength, a pillar of resilience, and a friend unwavering in her support.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and May McBroom; her husband, Earl Richardson; her son, Dennis Richardson, Jr.; her grandson, Ricky Richardson; her siblings, Violet Dowd, Ola Brown, Ida Hamm, Fern Malone, John McBroom, Tom McBroom, Issaac McBroom, Faye McBroom and Frank McBroom.
Survivors include her daughters, Sharlotte Hames Gregg and Tina Richardson; her son, Delbert Richardson; her grandchildren, Violet Richardson, Kerry Wilson, Brenda Hill, Rose Alderson, Christina Gregg and Keith Hames; her 24 great-grandchildren; her four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.