Deane Norwood Richardson

Glenna Emmadeane (Deane) Norwood Richardson, 92, of Little Rock, widow of the late Millard A. Richardson, formerly of Morrilton, died on May 7, 2008, in Little Rock. She was born November 13, 1915, to Dovie Hill Norwood and Jim Boone Norwood. Part of a large vibrant family whose mother died at an early age, Mrs. Richardson's formative years were spent in the Hill Creek Community (Conway County), and were shaped by the responsibilities of a farming household and church and school activities. Extended family, friends and the shared musical talent of her siblings and father were her sustenance. In her teens, she sang with the popular "Norwood Sisters Quartet." Her voice was a gift and from her youth, she sang in her church choir. Until her death, she readily joined others in singing gospel songs, finding solace in the old words and melodies. Her family and friends will miss her strong alto voice. Mrs. Richardson graduated from Morrilton High School in 1936. She completed a two year program in business from Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA). At the time, the state was in the grip of the Great Depression and family lore is that the college accepted a cow as their mother's tuition fees. Mrs. Richardson worked with her husband in the Conway County Circuit Clerk's office and in the family business, MCC Abstract Company. She served as president of the Business & Professional Women's Club and held numerous offices in the Morrilton Literary Coterie. She made positive contributions to the civil fabric of Conway County through her career, her family and her church. In retirement, she enjoyed travel, especially trips to Europe. At her death, Mrs. Richardson was the longest continuous member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (Morrilton), having joined in July, 1945. She believed in the Christian faith as a great power for good and was a supporter of Gideon's Society, Int'l and other Christian missionary charities. She served her church as teacher, choir member and was an active member of its Women's Auxillary. Her family is grateful for Mrs. Richardson's examples of courage and fortitude. The family thanks her Bethel church family and hometown friends for their constancy. The family appreciates the encouragement of residents, staff and volunteers at Parkview Health Center, Little Rock. Mrs. Richardson is survived by her daughters Mary Ann Williams McKuin and Carole Lynn Williams Sherman; her sons-in-law Bob G. McKuin and William F. Sherman; her grandchildren, Andrew McKuin, Joel McKuin, John Sherman, Anna Sherman and Lucy Kempf; and her great grandchildren, Alex and Laura Billington. She is also survived by the descendents of her late sisters, Marvelle Hensley, Grace Scroggin, Ruby Jones, Ruth Heiderman and Mary Jim DeSalvo and those of her late brother John Norwood. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, Bethel Baptist Church, Morrilton, officiated by Rev. James Mullins. Family will receive visitors from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, May 9 at Harris Funeral Home Morrilton. Memorials may be made to Gideon's Society, International, P.O. Box 21, Morrilton, Arkansas 71923; Bethel Baptist Church, 901 E. Drilling Street, Morrilton, Arkansas 72113; or Volunteer Council, Arkadelphia HDC, P.O. Box 70, Arkadelphia, AR, 71923.

Deane Norwood Richardson

November 13, 1915 - May 7, 2008