Helen Richardson

Helen Frances (Fran) Richardson
May 25, 1934 – July 30, 2024

Helen Frances Richardson passed away on July 30, 2024. She was born to the late Mark Edward Richardson and Mary Louise Blair in Danville, Virginia. Franny grew up in Danville, Va. and during her years there, she attended West Main Street United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Stratford College.

Franny is survived by her daughter, Blair Griffith Walter (John May) and son, William Patterson Griffith, Jr.; grandchildren Hattie Blair Walter Steffens (Matt), Peter Douglas Walter, and Samuel Richardson Walter (Ruth Hudson); great-grandchildren Frances, Sebastian, and Tallulah Steffens; and Jane May Walter (who will arrive in two weeks). She is also survived by brother-in-law Rodney Taylor; nieces Tamara Oakey, Teresa Ferguson, and Helen Harrison; and her lifelong friend Charlye Phillips.
She is predeceased by her only sister, Mary Louise Richardson Ruggles.

Fran was an active member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church for decades. She was a Stephen Minister for many years and participated in the Emmaus Walk. She was a participant in Bible Study for 10 years, and was an active member of the Wesleyan Fellowship Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women, delivered Meals on Wheels and loved Christmas in April.

Fran had a quick wit, was lots of fun, and had a huge heart. She was known as a poet among the friends who received birthday poems that always started with “Roses are red, violets are blue….” She adored her children and grandchildren as well as her great-grandchildren.

She had a magic touch that captivated the hearts of so many, especially in her job as a teacher at the Montessori School at SAS. Many of her students stayed in touch with Fran long after they’d moved away.

A celebration of Fran’s life will be held Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church: 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608, followed by a visitation reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements are being handled by the City of Oaks Funeral Home and Cremations. Memorials may be given to Transitions Life Care of Raleigh, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or Healing Transitions: A Place for Recovery, 1251 Goode Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.