Pattie Sue Richardson

Pattie Sue Richardson, 92, of Nome, died Friday, January 14, 2022. She was born on September 21, 1929, to Goldie Swarthout Goodwin and Byron Goodwin, in Eldorado, Arkansas.

Adored by so many of her friends, family, and teaching associates, “Ms. Pattie” was defined by her Christian upbringing and her love of children, music and family – all of which converged to guide her through a fruitful life of service to others.

Ms. Pattie’s parents encouraged her interest in music at an early age, and she became an accomplished pianist in her teenage years. Her family moved to Nome, Texas when her father Byron’s employer transferred him there. After graduating from high school in Sour Lake, she enrolled in the music program at Mary Hardin Baylor Christian University in Belton, Texas. Unfortunately, after pursuing her formal music education for less than two short years, her mother’s untimely death required that she return home and help care for her family.

In Nome in 1950, Ms. Pattie met and married Leonard Richardson. Here, while raising a family, Ms. Pattie would find and cultivate opportunities to pursue all her passions.

She served as pianist and organist at First Baptist Church Nome for four decades, providing heavenly music for church services, choir performances, holiday specials, weddings, funerals, and a multitude of other occasions. She was also frequently asked to play piano or organ for other events at churches all around the area.

At home, Ms. Pattie played her own piano any time her kids gave her a spare minute. Many hours in the Richardson home were filled with her piano renditions of traditional hymns, praise songs, popular stage musicals, and instrumentals. Rarely did one of her piano sessions end without her kids swarming her at the piano and begging, “Momma, play Last Date!” She always obliged, and she played Floyd Cramer’s tune so beautifully! Ms. Pattie often said she was lucky if the kids let her off with playing Last Date only once a day.

Always an avid reader and book lover, Ms. Pattie became Librarian at Nome Elementary School in 1968. With her superb skills in organizing and display, she kept the library and hallways adorned with artful, captivating, and educational posters, engaging the kids at school at every chance. She also established, organized and maintained for many years, a library at FBC Nome for church members.

After Nome Elementary School closed in the late 1960s, Ms. Pattie became Librarian at China Elementary – a post she held until her retirement in 1991. Just as she had tutored and assisted so many children and teenagers in music as they grew older, her time and talents as Librarian were also an inspiration to a remarkable number of youngsters of all ages as they became adults. And Ms. Pattie’s new school called on her once again to play piano at school programs and functions.

Another talent Ms. Pattie generously shared with others was her ability to sew. At her hands, her sewing machine turned out clothes of all kinds and sizes – sometimes from paper patterns; sometimes free-hand. She shared this skill with young people by tutoring in 4H, Vacation Bible School, and other venues.

The legacy and fond memories that Ms. Pattie has left for her family and friends is a bounty that we will always remember and re-live. And in particular, the Richardson Family is so thankful and proud that God sent one of his most faithful and loving servants to bless their family.

Survivors include her sons, Dan Richardson of Sugar Land and Don Richardson and his wife, Charlotte, of Beaumont; daughter, Sandy McLemore and her husband, Donald, of Orange; grandchildren, Lauren Nichols and her husband, Bob; Rachel McRight and her husband, Jason; Jeremy Richardson; Jonathan McLemore and his wife, Jill; David McLemore and his wife, Kelly; and Daniel McLemore and his wife, Chelsea; great-grandchildren, Marshall, Drayton, and Robby Nichols; Rylee, Brooklyn, Zoey, Olivia, Jacob, and Isaiah McRight; Maddie Hinson; and Lorelei and Jensen McLemore.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Bobby Goodwin and Raymond “Sonny” Goodwin.

A gathering of Mrs. Richardson’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Nome. Her funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 1985 Louisiana Street, Nome. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Holly Grove Cemetery, County Line Road South, Livingston, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in care of First Baptist Church, 1985 Louisiana Street, Nome, Texas 77629 or the China Elementary School Library, 605 Henderson Avenue, China, Texas 77613.

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