Thelma Richardson

Thelma Richardson was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 17, 1929, the daughter of Edgar Gibson and Marion Swinning Gibson.  She graduated from Mifflin High School in May 1949.  The fall of 1949 she attended Midwest Bible Institute in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from there in May 1953 with a Bachelor’s Degree.

During the summer of 1952, while working in Vacation Bible School in the Branson, Missouri area, she met Zane Richardson.  He attended one year of Bible School before they were married June 6, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri at the Baptist Church with Harold Freeman, whom they had met in school, officiating.  The next three years were spent in St. Louis while Zane completed his schooling in May 1957.

They lived in Missouri, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Kansas, and Oklahoma where Zane preached in small churches.  Their move to Sanders, Arizona in the late 80’s brought new experiences and challenges as they worked in the Navajo Church for two years.  From there they worked with the Central States Mission in Kansas, planting churches in Washington and Nevada.  Retirement to Ringwood, Oklahoma came after Zane’s illness in 2006.  Thelma had moved to Civitan Homes in Enid after Zane’s death and had become a part of First Baptist Church in Enid.

Those who have preceded Thelma in death are her husband, Zane; grandson, Brian Vines; father, Edgar Gibson; mother, Marion Gibson; sisters, Carol Rees and Delma James.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, John Richardson, Darrell Richardson, Sharon Vines and husband, Paul Hildebrandt, Janet Lines and husband, Michael and Keith Richardson; nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

There will be a service at First Baptist Church in Enid on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.  Viewing will be Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Lanman Funeral Home in Helena from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  On Friday, October 25, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. there will be a service at Peterson’s Funeral Home in Aurora, Missouri with viewing prior to service.  Burial will follow at Leann Cemetery in Missouri.  All arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Helena.  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Missions through Lanman Funeral Home.