Funeral service for Joan Ann Harden Richardson, 73, will be Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joe Batts, Bro. Rick Cantrell, and Rev. Trent Salter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Aldridge Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Peck Funeral Home.
Mrs. Richardson died on Monday, September 28, 2026. She was born June 8, 1953, in Morgan County, to Thomas Hershel Harden and Dorothy Sue Smith Martin.
Joan was truly a one-of-a-kind woman. She had a generous heart, a love for life, a wonderful sense of adventure, and a personality that could never be duplicated. She found joy in the simplest things and had a special way of making ordinary moments into memories that will last forever.
Joan had many passions throughout her life. She loved collecting dolls, jewelry, antiques, and all kinds of unique treasures. She loved antique thrifting and yard sales, always on the hunt for that special find or, even better, a really good deal. She could spot a treasure where others might not see one, and there was nothing quite like the excitement on her face when she found something she loved.
And Joan was lucky; really lucky! Lady Luck seemed to follow her wherever she went. Whether she was at the casino enjoying the fun and excitement, playing a game, or simply taking a chance on something, she was probably one of the luckiest people you could ever meet. She loved the excitement, the experience, and most of all, having fun.
Joan loved her flowers and gardening. She could spend hours tending to her flower beds, planting, growing, and enjoying everything she had worked so hard to nurture. And anyone who knew Joan knew there was a special place in her heart for tomatoes. Whether she was growing them, picking them, sharing them, or simply enjoying a good homegrown tomato, they were one of her favorite little pleasures.
One of her favorite places in the world was her back porch, where she could sit back, look out over her flower beds, and simply be still. Joan would say that her back porch had healing qualities. It was a place where she could talk with God, pray, reflect, and feel at peace. That porch was more than just a place to sit; it was her little piece of heaven.
Joan also had a deep love for the water and being around the water. She enjoyed the peace and freedom that came with it and treasured her time on the river. She even had a houseboat on the river, creating another special place where she could relax, enjoy the scenery, and make memories.
Travel was another part of Joan’s adventurous spirit. She traveled to many places throughout her life and loved seeing the sights along the way. For Joan, the journey was just as important as the destination. She enjoyed discovering new places, experiencing new things, and collecting memories everywhere she went.
Joan was also very tech-savvy and loved keeping up with technology and the world around her. She had a love of music and enjoyed the memories and emotions that music brought into her life.
She had a special interest in family history and genealogy. Joan loved learning about her family tree, discovering where she came from, and keeping those family connections alive for future generations. Family meant so much to her, and some of her happiest moments were spent surrounded by the people she loved.
If you ever visited Joan’s home, there was one thing you could almost guarantee; you were never leaving empty-handed. Joan was a giver. Before you left, she might send you home with a plant, a doll, a piece of jewelry, or a fresh jar of her homemade salsa. And sometimes, if she decided you needed it, you might even leave with a piece of furniture! She loved sharing what she had, and giving to others was simply part of who she was.
Joan was known for her love of flamingos and anything beach-related. She loved the colors turqouise and coral and the feeling of being near the coast. Those little pieces of the beach brought her happiness and were a reflection of her bright and playful spirit.
And then there was “Betty Boop.” That beloved nickname became part of Joan’s identity and perfectly captured the fun, unforgettable personality that those closest to her knew and loved. Betty Boop was more than a nickname; it was a reminder of the character, humor, and spirit that made Joan uniquely Joan.
Joan lived a life filled with flowers, tomatoes, dolls, antiques, music, family stories, genealogy, travel, water, adventure, faith, friendship, and an abundance of love. She collected many things throughout her life, but the most valuable things she collected were memories and people.
Joan’s family would like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to all of her friends and family who took the time to come by and visit, make a phone call, send a text, check on her, or simply let her know they were thinking about her. Every visit, every conversation, every message, and every act of kindness meant more than words can express.
A very special thank you goes to Aveanna Hospice, for the compassion, kindness, comfort, and care they provided to Joan and her family. Your presence during such an important time brought comfort and reassurance, and your care will never be forgotten.
And to Joan’s beloved “Betty Boop Gator Girls” There are simply not enough words to express our gratitude. These ladies went above and beyond in caring for Joan, looking out for her, being there for her, and making sure she was cared for and never alone. They gave their time, their hearts, their love, and their unwavering support.
And of course, there were the adventurous rides with the Gator Girls. The kind of adventures that created stories to laugh about and memories that will be cherished forever. Those rides were more than just getting from one place to another; they were opportunities for fun, laughter, friendship, and a little bit of adventure along the way. We can just imagine Joan enjoying every minute of it, making memories with her girls and probably having a story or two to tell afterward!
The Gator Girls were there when Joan needed them, and their exceptional care meant the world to her and to everyone who loved her.
Thank you for loving Joan, caring for Joan, making her laugh, taking her on adventures, and standing beside her. Your kindness became part of her final chapter, and her family will forever be grateful.
Joan’s treasures may find new homes. Her flowers will continue to bloom. Her tomatoes will always bring back memories of her garden and the simple pleasures she enjoyed. Her dolls, jewelry, antiques, and beloved keepsakes will carry pieces of her story forward. But the greatest things Joan left behind cannot be put in a box or passed from one person to another. Her love, her laughter, her generosity, her stories, and the memories she created with the people she loved.
And somewhere, we hope Joan is sitting on her back porch again, looking out over beautiful flowers and a garden full of tomatoes, surrounded by peace, talking with God, with the water nearby and Lady Luck still smiling down on her.
Joan may have given away many things, but the greatest gift she left behind was the love, laughter, and memories she gave to all of us.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Betty Boop.
Survivors include- her Husband: Newman Richardson
Step-son: Randall A Richardson and his children, Payton A and Sophie Wren of Kennesaw Georgia.
Step-daughter: Maggie Hare of Denver Colorado
Mother: Dorothy Sue Smith Harden Martin
Brother: Mike Moore (Sherry)
Sisters: Kim Allen, and Sharon Mc Kennon (Jackie)
Sister-in-law: Kim Patterson (Brian), Christine Willingham (Eugene)
Nephew: Brent Harden (Laura)
Nieces: Lisa H. Ellsworth (David), Amy H Terry (Charlie), Mika Marshall (Hunter), Mikayla Wood (Marcus), and Holly M Wilson (Philip)
And many more great Nephews & Nieces
Preceding her in death were her Father: Thomas H. Harden, a Brother: Thomas H Harden “Jr”, Barry W Kelso, a Sister: Marisa Harden, her Grand Parents: Cordie “Pa” & Ethel “Ma” Smith, Wes and Mamie “Gram” Harden and a Nephew: Jackie “JJ” Odell McKennon, Jr.
Pallbearers: Brent, Blake, Trent & Reed Harden, Austin Segars & Charlie Terry
Peck Funeral Home
