Dorothy Richardson

Dorothy Ashley Richardson passed away Monday, December 7, 2020. Dorothy left us with many beautiful memories and her favorite saying: “It’s Better to be Kind Than to be Right".

Always a genuine smile and kind word for everyone, she was loved by all. Dorothy graduated from North Farmington High School in 1989. She then attended Ferris State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. More importantly, she was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority, where she made her closest and lifelong friends. Her “sisters” talk frequently and still travel together often, 30 years after their friendships started. The outpouring of love and desire to travel to see Dorothy during her illness, is a testament to their eternal bonds.

Dorothy worked in retail management for several years, always a model of organization and 100% dedicated to any task she tackled. Yes, the cereal Tupperware in her house is labeled. She was then offered a position with AT&T advertising, where she admittedly began the “next stage” of her life. Although leaving the retail hours behind was awesome, it was meeting her future husband that changed everything.

Scott loved her electric smile and personality from the moment he met her. They still debate if the feeling was mutual from first site, but Scott takes pride in how he finally wore her down and got that first date. From that first date, it has been an incredible 23 year ride. Scott & Dorothy were blessed to create memories that will last constant. A beautiful wedding in 2000, Twin Lakes Golf Course, attended by many and remembered by all. There were many trips and weekends up north, and all have specific memories that are brought up with a smile years later. A cruise with friends, weekends at Silver Lake, holidays in Florida, and countless parties in their first home.

The next stage of Dorothy’s life is by far her favorite, the joy of her life, Palmer Alan joining the family 5.25.02. He was and still is her “everything”. From mom’s groups in Rochester MI when he was a baby to setting up his college dorm in Columbia SC, it is impossible to sum up how much she lived to make Palmer the responsible, kind young man he is today. Her illness was always to play second fiddle to ensuring he had a strong start to his college career. Although there were years of trips, parties, sporting events,& too many gatherings to name, there is no question where Dorothy was always happiest, the ball field. Watching Palmer compete, laugh, bond, succeed and handle failure were the love of her life.

In the midst of these chapters of Dorothy’s life was a family move and building a home in Waxhaw NC. A move that would had some uncertainty to start, but proved to be the addition of a new set of families in Dorothy’s life. The friendship and bond of her Prescot neighborhood friends is amazing, but not surprising, given her personality. Bunco nights, Oak Island vacations, poolside afternoons, Christmas Progressives, and too many other events to list. Their 14 years in Waxhaw have brought them more happiness and family friends than they ever dreamed.

Dorothy is the definition of “better half”, Scott’s best friend, the most loving and devoted wife he could have ever dreamed of. A caring mom till the end with unwavering support and pride. 

There will be a time and place to offer the proper remembrance our Dorothy deserves. A time to share and create memories. Hopefully a time to bring some of her amazing friend groups together.

Left to carry on her memory are her husband, Scott Andrew Richardson and her son, Palmer Alan Richardson, of Waxhaw, NC, her parents, James "Jim" Darrell Ashley and Patricia "Pat" Anne McCormick Ashley, her brother, Darrell James Ashley (Ayu), of Falmouth, Nova Scotia, her father-in-law, Ken Richardson of Gulf Port, MS, her brother-in-law Ken Richardson III (Amy) of Rochester, MI, her nephews, Augie Ashley, Ian Richardson, Aiden Richardson, and her nieces, Rendi Ashley and Mackenzie Richardson.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Elizabeth "Betty" Hamilton Richardson 

Contributions to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance can be made in Dorothy's honor here: https://give.ocrahope.org/give/186942/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=OCRAweb&c_src2=header

Davis Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Dorothy Richardson. Your love and remembrances are welcome at www.davisfuneralservice.com/obituary/Dorothy-Richardson

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