Dr. Elisha Roscoe Richardson

Elisha Roscoe Richardson, age 92, of Nashville, TN, passed away on June 11, 2024 at his beloved home peacefully. Born August 15, 1931, in Monroe, Louisiana, he was the last-born child to the late Warren Carter and Hannah (Goins) Richardson. He is preceded in death by his wife of 39 years Pattye Sue Whyte Richardson and his siblings: William (Sadie) Richardson, Warren Richardson, Richmond (Oretha) Richardson, Governor (Velma) Richardson, and Izola (Robert) Livingston.

Elisha is survived by his children Scott (Julie) Richardson, Jonathan Richardson, and Mark Richardson. Grandchildren Carter, Seth, and Reed; and many loving nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Elisha, or Rich as he was known by many, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University, studying Education, Biology, and Mathematics. While there he was honored by the Beta Kappa Chi Honorary Scientific Society in 1954 and joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Sigma Chapter in 1951; later becoming a life member through Tau Lambda Chapter in Nashville, TN. Elisha went on to dental school at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, TN, after scoring an exceptionally high DAT score for African Americans, graduating in 1955. There he excelled and was inducted into Kappa Sigma Pi Honorary Scientific Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honor Society, Physiology Society of the Upper One-Tenth, and was Nominated the Most Outstanding Sophomore Dental Student.

Upon graduation from dental school, Elisha joined the United States Air Force where he was deployed to Weisbaden, Germany. Where he became the first African American Air Force Captain to be named Chief of Dental Services to the USAF Dental Clinic. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955 through 1960, at which point he separated and was admitted into the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago to study Orthodontics at the highest ranked program in the country under Dr. Allen Brodie; becoming an National Institute of Health Research Fellow in the process. Upon becoming one of seven African American Orthodontists in the United States, Elisha dedicated his professional career to Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and to the research of craniofacial growth and development of African Americans. Elisha held many positions during his career, professor, tenured professor, chair of Orthodontics at two higher learning institutions, researcher, author, mentor, President of the National Dental Association, and Dean of the Dental School at Meharry Medical College. Elisha chaired the writing of the Center of Excellence Grant, funded by the NIH, for the School of Dentistry in 1988 upon his appointment to Deanship and it has continuously been in service since its inception, making it the longest uninterrupted grant of its type in history.

Elisha authored many books and publications since the 1970s, which includes the Atlas of Craniofacial Growth in Americans of African Descent. This book was put into print in 1991 by the University of Michigan and is still in use by dental schools across the country. During his professional career, Elisha had the esteemed pleasure to work with United States Presidents from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush, for the enhancement of dental health, dental professionals, and dental education in Americans of African descent. 

Outside of his career, Elisha held interests in golf, travel, music, reading, the Southern University Jaguars and the University of Michigan Wolverines football teams, and the Cleveland Browns, and an active member of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill for 57 years. However, he placed his love for his family above all else.

All of us who love Elisha are saddened by his passing. However, we receive solace from the extraordinary life lived and the wonderful memories that will be with us always. He is now at peace in the precious arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.