Stella Louise Richardson

**My Journey**

Let me introduce myself. I am Stella Fort Richardson, born December 14, 1943, in Como, Mississippi, to my wonderful parents, Jimmie and Annie Fort. After my birth, my parents and siblings moved to Missouri, where our journey continued. I was baptized and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior during this time.

Later, I married Albert Richardson Sr., and three children were born from this union. We eventually moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Here, I was blessed with some of the better jobs for that time, including positions at Chrysler, McDonnell Douglas, and Bi-State.

As time passed, I began to feel a deep hunger for more of God. I realized there had to be more to Christianity than just attending church on Sunday and Wednesday nights. I yearned for a deeper connection with Him, and through this longing, I came to understand that my spirit was thirsting for righteousness. So, I did exactly what His Word tells us: "Seek, and ye shall find." This journey led me to a more intimate relationship with God. I chose to rededicate myself to Him and committed to walking in His purpose to the best of my ability. I also made sure my children were part of this journey, teaching them how to pray, fast, and seek God’s face for themselves. As the scripture says, "Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it."

I believed that God’s assignment for me was to intercede and lead people to Christ. Whether on the job, on the streets, or even pulling over to help someone stranded on the road, I followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I would also feed the homeless on Friday nights and serve as part of the intercessory team at whatever church I attended. This brought me great joy and fulfillment.

As time went on, I retired, and a new chapter began. My children had grown, and started their own families, and I became a grandmother— “Nona” to be exact. To my grandchildren, you mean the world to me. Yes, I wanted to give you everything your parents said I couldn’t, but most of all, I gave you the legacy of Jesus. I shared God’s love and His Word with each one of you individually, speaking just to your hearts. My wonderful nieces and nephews, you also hold a special place in my heart. You were all in my prayers every day, just like the rest of my family.

Now, as of November 3, 2024, I have decided that I am ready to meet my Jesus face to face—the greatest reward of my journey here on earth. I look forward to being reunited with those who preceded me in death: my husband, Albert Richardson Sr.; my daughter, Linda Richardson-Harper; my father, Jimmie Fort; my sisters, Sarah, Edna, and Mary; and my brothers, James and Henry.

As I walk away from this earthly body, I leave behind memories for you all to cherish until we meet again. I leave my children, Lorie Fort-West (Shawn) of O’Fallon, MO, Albert Richardson Jr. (Monique) of Houston, TX, and Lavelle Richardson of Taylor, MI. I also leave my grandchildren: Shenequa Tucker, Aaron Richardson, Briana Harper, Devereaux Richardson, and Courtney Richardson. My great-grandchildren: Reuben Richardson, Xaviebrian Davis, and Chase Davis. I leave my mother, Annie Ruth Fort of Haywood City, MO; my sister, Penny Banks of Haywood City, MO; my brother, John Fort (Patricia) of Haywood City, MO; and my brother Willie Fort (Brenda) of Pickerington, OH.

“Don’t cry for me, 

don’t shed a tear, 

The time I shared with you.

 will always be. 

and now I’m 

gone still carry on…

Don’t cry for me.”

To view Funeral Ceremony please click on the following link; https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?