Thelma Jean "Billie" Richardson

THELMA JEAN "BILLIE" RICHARDSON, 91, of Little Rock, slipped away from this life on July 22, 2017. She was born April 14, 1926 to Roy and Thelma "Bill" Clower in Vick Camp near Warren, Ark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, her parents and a beloved brother, Jack Clower and a dear sister, Helen Harris. Billie is survived by four loving children, Belle (Carlos) Summers, Jerry (Camille) Richardson, Leanna (Glenn) McClendon, and John (Elizabeth) Richardson, 12 adoring grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and greatly beloved nephews and nieces. In her high school days, Billie was known as a popular athlete, cheerleader, and a good dancer. WWII provided Billie an opportunity for nursing training through the Nursing Cadet Corps. She returned to Warren as a surgical nurse and met the love of her life, Jerry Richardson. While raising her family, Billie worked as a surgical nurse, County health nurse, and the director of nursing for Bradley County Memorial Hospital. The last 12 years of her nursing career were spent as the nursing director of the Pine Lodge Nursing Home, a 105 bed facility. A military promotion for her husband, brought Billie to Little Rock in 1975 where she found a fulfilling focus for her considerable energies in the community of Immanuel Baptist Church. Dear and lasting friendships and opportunities to become involved in the life of the church were a passion and a joy for her. Having had a powerful conversion to faith as a young married adult, her faith was a constant source of inspiration and energy. Teaching the Grace class at Immanuel and other opportunities there were a fulfilling outlet for her passion and drive. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church, Tuesday, July 25, 10 a.m., with a family graveside service following in Warren at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Immanuel Baptist Church, www.SamaritansPurse.org, or the Warren YMCA.