Mrs. Dorothy Walters " Big Dorothy " Richardson

Dorothy Walters Richardson, 85, received her eternal wings on January 21, 2020, at McLeod Health Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina. She was born on December 3, 1934 to the late Mr. James Walters and Mrs. Cornelia Mitchell Walters in the historic town of Summerton, South Carolina. She was joined in holy matrimony to the late Willie Richardson.

Dorothy “Big Dorothy” as she was affectionately called, received Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Greater St. Phillip R.U.M.E. Church. She was educated in the public schools of Clarendon County and played on Scott’s Branch High School’s basketball team as a forward.

Mrs. Dorothy was the President of both the Gospel Choir and Kitchen Committee. A dedicated member of the Senior Choir where she led sweet songs of Zion, Steward Board, Missionary Board, and Senior Conference Workers Board. She volunteered with the Summerton Senior Center as a dietician and was a gracious member of the Red Hat Society.

“Mama Dorothy” ingested lye as a child and was hospitalized for approximately two years. Beating the odds of survival, God had a plan for her life that was mighty sweet. She became one of the best caregivers for many, many years. Her selfless spirit allowed her to nurture limitless children and adults throughout her tenancy here on earth. Dorothy’s life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” She had a servant’s heart, and faith filled spirit.

“Mama’s” vivacious personality always made everyone laugh. She always embraced everyone with open arms, love and a smile. The doors of her home hung on welcoming hinges. In her presence everyone found God’s word, security, loyalty, love, laughter, tasty food, soap, water and a clean wash cloth (or rag as she would say).

“Grandma Dorothy” was predeceased by one son Eddie Richardson, three brothers, John(Louise)Walters, Jerry Walters and Jonathan(Vivian)Walters; one grandson John Karim Wadir Hardy, and three great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish her fond memories are one devoted daughter/caregiver, Willie Mae Hardy-Reed of the home; one devoted son, William (Gloria) Walters of Lilburn, GA; a granddaughter, LaShonna (Thomas) Hardy whom she raised as her own; three additional grandchildren Sitka(David)Noudjo, Gerald(Tequila) Walters and William Walters Jr.; fifteen great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Edith Richardson of Rimini, SC, and Mrs. Odell Walters of Boynton Beach, FL; a special adopted son and daughter, Willie (Sue) Gibson of Summerton, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, adopted daughters, sons, and grandchildren

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“Do not grieve for me, for the work I have

done…let it speak for me.”