Deanna C. Richardson was born to Lottie Zelle and Howard Harris McCarty in Farmington, St. Francois County, Missouri.  Deanna was a fun loving, if slightly irreverent child who retained her mischievous nature throughout life and never completely settled on being one of the “adults.” After graduating from school, she began working as secretary to a Law Firm and then within the office of a Superintendent of Schools. 

Deanna joined her life to Murriel Dale Richardson on April 25, 1958.  Their marriage spanned 64 years 5 months 5 days and they had two daughters Tova Jo Major (husband: Kim) and Deborah Dawn Colbert (Husband: John) and three granddaughters Tirzah Jael Major, Paige Camille Colbert, and Courtney Rene Colbert. 

Dee had three siblings Shirley Ruth Eaton (Husband: Larry), Marshall Meyer McCarty (Wife: Kathy), who preceded her in death, and Marietta Mae Tiller (Husband: Ron).  Deanna’s sisters and brother, along with their spouses and many children and grandchildren, always remained dear to her despite the distance of place and time that they have experienced during this life. 

Dee appreciated classic beauty, learning new facts, and gathering together the small details she came across to share with others who loved that bit of knowledge.  As a wife and mother, she was a devoted homemaker.  While not describing her as an outdoorsy type, since it tended to be dirty, she did admire nature and enjoyed flowers, plants, trees, and catching an occasional fish. 

While she loved her family, Deanna also loved her neighbors with whom she hoped to enjoy the many future blessings promised in God’s word the Bible and she spent countless hours discussing the many truths and promises found in the Holy Scriptures.  As a young woman, she began to recognize the many unanswered questions that all people ask about life, the future, and God.  Dee began to study the Bible and came to understand that her spiritual need could be filled by pursuing the teachings of Jesus Christ and supporting his leadership as Jehovah God’s appointed King.  On September 16, 1967, she publicly demonstrated her dedication to Jehovah God by being baptized in imitation of Jesus.  She tried to continue following his example and hoped that she could support others in building their own faith. 

The large family and friends Deanna still has look forward to her being restored to life eternal during the promised earthly paradise which will benefit all those that seek God’s Kingdom first.  It’s very possible when there is a question or something is needed, they will hear Dee’s voice ring out with her favorite word --- “Murriel?!?”