Levonda (Brown) Richardson

Levonda Brown Richardson, age 69, of Sanford, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Lee County, North Carolina on July 13, 1955 to the late Cyrus Watson Brown and Erlene Dull Brown. She was preceded in death by her father. 

She is survived by her 96 year old mother, Erlene Dull Brown; husband Bill Richardson, children Cy Richardson (Becky), Kevin Richardson (Lauren), Alysse Smalley (Lem); sister Leann Brown Avent (Mark), niece Stephanie Whitaker (Larry), nephew Stephen Avent (Casey), grandchildren Cooper Smalley, Case Richardson, Russ Richardson, Jake Richardson, mother-in-law Dorothy (Dot) Richardson, sister-in-law Angie Turner (John Turner), niece Megan Layton (Cody), special sister Jean Brown; special friend Winfred “Wimp” Wicker and many cousins, great-nieces and nephews and very many friends.

Levonda, better known as Ma by those who loved her most, was a woman full of faith and overflowing with joy. She was employed by Sanford Auto Supply and Kings Department Store, where she met her husband, before moving to Lee Builder Mart for more than twenty years. Levonda was a life long member of Olivia Evangelical Church. She not only attended but also served as a Sunday school teacher, played the piano and was part of the choir. Married in 1980, Bill and Levonda created together a life that many others dream of. A life that was full of pure joy and a very tight knit family, something that she was very proud of. According to Bill she was “the best wife that anyone could ever have.”

If you knew Levonda you know that she was the Queen of Christmas. With 35 Christmas trees in her home, there was no avoiding the spirit of joy when walking through the door. She made sure to tell everyone that her trees were not the style of Better Homes & Gardens but that they were covered with sentimental ornaments from many friends throughout the years. 

Family cookouts under the lights outside were one Ma’s favorite things to do. She could plan and put together a party like no other. Her sausage balls were always a hit but she was well known for her chocolate chip cookies that everyone would bet were homemade. Beach music, or classic country; you could always count on looking over to find Ma tapping her hand to the music and singing along with her cup of cold Coca-Cola always nearby. Levonda enjoyed trips to the mountains. She, Bill, Kevin, and Lauren would often run off on random trips and occasionally Bill and her would slip off alone. Puzzles were also one of her hobbies, something that often brought calmness to her day. 

After retirement Levonda took care of all four of her grandsons. She was their teacher and their friend but most importantly she was their Ma. The boys often sat on the countertops to help her bake, they made crafts and they laughed together. According to Case, Ma was the “best butter toast maker that ever lived.”

Levonda never met a stranger and was quick to make new friends. She made sure to speak to everyone that crossed her path and always put everyone else first. She was one of the most selfless people you’d ever meet and was often told that she gave the best hugs  

A few months ago Levonda received a cancer diagnosis. For many, this would change everything. For Ma, it meant staying joyful and strong. She was overjoyed staying at home and said that the many visits from friends and family were the best medicine. Her continued smile was contagious and her positive attitude was inspiring. She reminded everyone frequently that after the wonderful life she’d been blessed with; there was no reason to be sad. She counted her blessings daily and her faith was unwavering. 

On behalf of Ma, her family would like to thank everyone that has prayed, visited, and kept her in their prayers. Friends were a very important piece to the puzzle of Ma’s life and she was thankful for each one of them. 

As Ma would say…love and hugs. 

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home and other times at the family home.  The funeral service will be Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Olivia Evangelical Presbyterian Church with Pastor Karyn Cartier officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Olivia Evangelical Presbyterian Church “Building Fund” as they are currently in preparation for major church repairs. PO Box 88, Olivia, NC 28368. 

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