Elsie Frances “Bunny” Norris Richardson

Bunny, as she was affectionately known for her entire life, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jackie H. Richardson (married August 18, 1959), her parents, Billy and Leila Norris, and her brother, Benjie Norris (Mary Jane Norris).

Bunny is survived by her son, Scott Richardson (Sheila), and daughter, Lei-anne Hester (Jack). Also, grandsons: Stefan Richardson, Brandon Hester (Megan), Brock Hester (Kelley), Gavin Richardson; and great-grandchildren: Grady Hester, Jase Hester, McKenzie Hester, Baylor Hester, Ellie Hester, and soon-to-be-born Elliott Hester.

She is also survived by her brothers: Tim Norris (Beverly), Lanny Norris (Donna), and her Sister-in-law, Nell Richardson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She lived in many places in her life, beginning in Knoxville, Tennessee. She soon moved to Montgomery, Alabama, Maryville and Sparta, Tennessee, Searcy, Arkansas, and then to Russellville, Jasper, Parrish, Midfield, Bessemer, Phil Campbell, back to Russellville, and finally to Athens, Alabama. She was proud to claim Russellville, Alabama, as her permanent residence.

From her earliest days, it was clear that she would be one to work and help others, especially the young. As did all the Norris children, time was spent working at King Frosty. Imagine how many smiles came to young faces (and old faces) from an ice cream cone she served up. After marrying, she assisted Jackie in the floral business.

She was also a teacher at Union School and worked in the Franklin County Tax Assessor’s office. After moving to the Birmingham area, she worked at the Sears Roebuck business office downtown. Later, she helped run her family’s newspaper route and then ran the Business Office for Colonial Carpet and Interiors. Moving back to the Russellville area, she operated Norris Book Company and was the Business Manager for Norris King Frosty. She was still making kids smile.

Throughout all of the work, she also managed to bring a multitude of children and young adults into her home to live. She took care of them all. Through teaching Bible classes as she served the Lord, standing by her evangelist husband, she touched even more lives. As her children had children, she still took care of them all. Certainly, her care for young people is seen in her being a Co-Founder of Rustic Youth Camp (affectionately known as RYC) in 1980. “Ms. Bunny” blessed thousands of young lives from all across the United States and countless foreign countries. She took care of them all. She still does—her legacy continues.

The service to honor the life of Bunny will be held on June 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Spry Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama, with a period of visitation from noon until 2:00 PM. There will be no graveside service. The pallbearers will be Stefan Richardson, Brandon Hester, Brock Hester, Gavin Richardson, Lanny Norris, Tim Norris, and George Hutto. The honorary pallbearers will be Grady Hester, Jase Hester, and Baylor Hester.

After the service, the family will meet with friends at the Dining Hall of Rustic Youth Camp, 3100 Shady Grove Road, Russellville, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Rustic Youth Camp, 1520 Hwy 33, Russellville, AL 35653 (mailing address) or blog.rusticyouthcamp.org.