Betty Lou Johnson Richardson, 83, widow of Olin Douglas Richardson  passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina.

A daughter of the late James Norton and Ruby Estelle Richardson Johnson, Betty was born on February 27, 1942, in Hemingway, South Carolina. Betty's life was rooted in family, faith, and joy.

A proud graduate of Hemingway High School, Betty Lou furthered her education at Williamsburg Technical College in Kingstree, South Carolina. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to the community in which she was born.  Betty Lou was a devoted member of Christian Life Ministries. Her devotion to her church family and community included serving as youth leader and Sunday School teacher for many years.  She and Olin, a Deacon in the church, served together faithfully.  Her commitment to the Lord was unwavering.

Betty Lou was known for her fun-loving spirit and the infectious laughter which she brought into every room.  She never met a stranger and loved every child who came across her path as her own.  In return, "Grandma" was deeply loved by every child in her life.  Whether casting a line on a quiet fishing trip, tending to her garden with care, or preparing meals that brought loved ones together around the table, she found joy in life's simple pleasures. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her large family—moments filled with warmth, stories, and laughter that will be cherished forever.

Betty Lou is survived by daughters Janice (Randy) Cox and Kathy Jones; grandchildren:  Charles (Erin) Nealey, Ashley (Lisa) Jones, Jessica Ulery (Mike Poston), Michael (Lindsay) Richardson II, Tonya Baggett Wheeler, William Anthony (Abigail) Richardson, Betsy Riley, Bradley Cox, and Tony Whitney; seventeen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters: Myrtle Johnson Coker, Ruby Jane Richardson, Patricia Harrellson, Elaine Johnson (Don) Everett, and Margaret (Rev. Jimmy) Marsh; brother Ronnie Johnson; and daughter-in-law Tonya Richardson.

In addition to her husband and parents, Betty Lou was preceded in death by sons Michael Richardson and William Anthony "Tony" Richardson; grandson Randall Cox; sisters Shirley Richardson, Genevive Roberts; brother Norton Johnson, Jr; and son-in-law Wayne Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025 in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. prior to the service in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel at 416 N Main Street, Hemingway, South Carolina, 29554.

Burial, directed by Morris Funeral Home of Hemingway, will take place in the Garden of Devotion Cemetery located at 800 S Georgetown Highway, Johnsonville, South Carolina, 29555 immediately following the funeral service.

The family would like to extend heart-felt gratitude to the staff of McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina for the excellent care provided to Betty Lou during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty Lou's memory may be made to McLeod Hospice House, 1203 E Cheves Street, Florence, South Carolina, 29506.

Please sign the guest book at morris-funeralhome.com