Susan Richardson died on December 10, 2013 at age 81. She was preceded in death by beloved husband, Richard and brother, Sonny Williams and sisters, June and Uellah.
Susan was born in Liverpool, England, and attended St. Philemon's School on Windsor Street and the Skerrey College of Liverpool University. She came to the United States after World War II to marry US Air Force Officer, to whom she was engaged, while he was stationed in England after serving in Italy during the war. She attended Fisk University for graduate studies in English Literature and took Specialist in Education courses at Tennessee State University and the University of London. She taught English Language at Pearl High School and Hillsboro Comprehensive High School, Nashville. She ended her career teaching English Literature at Tennessee State University and Fisk University.
Susan was very gratified by evidence of her impact on the lives of many of her students. In addition to numerous cards and gifts over the years, she particularly enjoyed one of her students, who had risen to professor at the University of Pittsburgh, who wrote a book and dedicated it to her. Another student, who is now a lawyer in Nashville, had handled her legal affairs pro bono for decades. Two excerpts from scores of kudos received from students, parents and administrators are these: "Though I may not have passed your classes I feel that in essence I did. This is the first time that I can honestly say "I have learned something." "Donna H."....everytime I finish a book, your memory will linger and I'll remember how you taught me to appreciate reading. "Robert P."
Susan is survived by daughter, Terry-Sue Vaughn Highfield (Peter) (London, England); granddaughter, Vanessa Highfield Shaw (Matthew) (Australia); grandson, Vaughn Highfield (London) and brother, Norman Williams (London); and by many nephews and nieces.
Susan was a devoted member of St. Anselm's Episcopal Church.
Visitation Monday, December 16, 2013 at 11:30 a.m., with Memorial Service to follow at 12 Noon, St. Anselm's Episcopal Church, 2008 Meharry Blvd., Nashville. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to TSU Foundation, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208; or Fisk University Scholarship Fund, 1000 - 17th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37208.
Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors, 2500 Clarksville Highway, Nashville, TN 37208-1060; (615) 255-2371
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