Elsie G. Richardson

Live Video feed will start 11:00 AM on Friday December 20th. Elsie Grooms Richardson began her heavenly journey in the arms of angels on December 12, 2013 surrounded by her family. She was born November 9, 1931 in Mayfield , KY to Arden & Zenobia Grooms. In 1950, she graduated from Oak Ridge HS in Tennessee, where she starred as the lead in several musicals and as a Majorette in the Marching Band. After graduation she began working with Southern Bell as a telephone operator until the love of her life, Briggs Richardson, returned from the Korean War. They married and bought a home in Norris TN, where they started a family. In 1959, the Richardson's ventured to Brevard County, FL in order to start a career with RCA, in America's Space Program. After retirement Briggs and Elsie enjoyed splitting their time between their Melbourne, FL home and their home in historic Norris, Tenn. Elsie is remembered for her contagious laughter, infectious personality, love and compassion for her family and friends. For Elsie, no one was a stranger for long. She possessed a beautiful singing voice which allowed her to enjoy participating in numerous school, community and church choirs during her lifetime. She was very active in her children's education by serving as the president of the PTA and as a Substitute Teacher for many years. Her love of music and performing inspired her to support the initial stages of the King Center for the Performing Arts by volunteering and through her financial contributions sponsoring seats in the name of each of her three children. She also volunteered in a school for special needs children where she was recognized as their Volunteer of the Year. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Doyle, David and Jerry, sister Juanita and her husband of 52 years, Briggs. She is survived by children Dotty Richardson (Steve Green), Kathy Richardson and Kenny Richardson as well as grandchildren Chad, Brian (Amy), Morgan, Brenna, Dustin and great-grandchildren Sophia & Blake. She is also survived by her sister Beverly Logan (Phil) of Cape Canaveral, brother 'n law Aubrey Sloan and several nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Elsie. A celebration of life is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 20, 2013, with visitation at 10:00 and services at 11:00 A.M. at the Beckman/Williamson Funeral Home in Viera. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Promise in Brevard, PO Box 120028, West Melbourne, FL 32912.