Debra Richardson

Published 3:08 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Debra Richardson passed away Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, at her home near Enon. She was born Nov. 10, 1948, in upstate New York, raised in Clearwater, Fla., and lived in Atlanta, Ga., and New Orleans before moving to Washington Parish nearly 40 years ago.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Richardson of Enon; a daughter, Julie Kilgore of Destrehan; a son, Jeff Kilgore of New Orleans; and a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Secora Flowers of Phoenix, Ariz. Also she is survived by a special grandson, Antoni Kilgore of Destrehan. She leaves one sister, Pat Gleim of Foley, Ala., and one brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Carol Hamilton of Clearwater.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Shirley Hamilton of the Stateline community.

She enjoyed living the country life with Joe on their tree farm near Enon. She loved gardening, raising chickens and ducks and especially feeding the wild birds and animals of the forest. Photography was her passion, taking many pictures of family, wildlife and landscapes. She and Joe took numerous “birding” trips to South Louisiana to take pictures of birds.

As a member of First Baptist Church in Franklinton, she was an organized, humble, behind-the-scenes tireless worker, always willing to volunteer to serve her church and community. She did volunteer work in VBS at several local churches, worked as a part time secretary for Trinity Baptist Church and the Baptist Mission Office, and served on a Wednesday Night Supper Group at First Baptist Church. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed feeding others especially the local pastors at their monthly meetings at the Baptist Mission Office. She was affectionately known as “The Food Bank Lady,” having served as volunteer director of the Washington Parish Food Bank for 12 years. Always busy, always volunteering, her life epitomized the words of her favorite hymn “We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes.”

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Washington Parish Food Bank are encouraged. Donations can be made to the Food Bank through First Baptist Church, 950 Ellis St., Franklinton, LA 70438.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the memorial service, to be held at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Watts officiating.