Janice Smith Richardson went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John T. and Garnette D. Smith.
Janice is survived by her children, Lynda (Peter) Willard, Tina (Jason) Ammons and William L. “Buck” (Jessica) Richardson Jr.; eight grandchildren, Kimberly and Jeffrey Ammons, Savannah, Isaiah, Noah, Joshua, John and Matthew Richardson; very special cousins, Charles (Gay) Smith, Roy (Sue) Smith, Helen Page Garrett, Amy Smith and Katie Smith; and her best friend since first grade, Dorothy Milby.
Janice’s life was defined by her faith in God and love of family and teaching. The roots of her faith began at her childhood church, Olivet Baptist in King and Queen County and continued to grow when she joined Hermitage Baptist in Church View as an adult. She shared her faith by teaching Sunday school, vacation Bible school and Bible studies. Janice lived her faith by teaching Acteens, GAs and Women on Mission and her commitment to Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), WMU Virginia and Mid-Tidewater Baptist Association. The opportunity to share her faith while teaching in small private and Christian schools delighted her and allowed her to build treasured relationships with students, parents and coworkers. Upon her retirement, her passion for both teaching and sharing God’s Word continued through mission trips to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
One of her greatest pleasures was seeing her family following her example to walk in faith. One of her favorite Bible passages was Psalms 121:1-2, which reminded her to rely on the strength of the Lord. It was her hope for everyone to have the comfort and strength God provided to her which led her to share through a life of faithful service.
Her family offers the comfort of another favorite verse, Psalm 91:4, and asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to WMU Virginia, 2828 Emerywood Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23294 or Mid Tidewater Baptist Association, P.O. Box 32, Saluda, VA 23149.
A celebration of Janice’s life will be presented at a later date at Hermitage Baptist Church.
