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Donna Rachelle "Rockie" Richardson

August 19, 1960 - May 9, 2012
Russellville, Arkansas

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“I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Rockie was such a sweet person. I really enjoyed talking and visiting with her while was there taking care of...Read More » ”
1 of 24 | Posted by: Cindy Reynolds-McKellar-Deeds - AR

“To "Rockie's" Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Rockie was a very sweet lady. Even through her pain, she was inspirational. I will be praying...Read More » ”
2 of 24 | Posted by: Melinda Rhynes

“She was a treasure and will be missed. My sympathies to the family. Love you Rita! Tammi ”
3 of 24 | Posted by: Tammi Ritchie - Russellville, AR

“As a former funeral director at Shinn Funeral Service I had the good fortune of working with Rita, Rockie and William when their mother passed away....Read More » ”
4 of 24 | Posted by: Jim Collins - yellville, AR

“To the family of Rockie, when my mother told me of her home going. I couldn't believe it, not Rockie. I'm sending up timber that in time comes...Read More » ”
5 of 24 | Posted by: Bessie Bazzelle-Perkins - TX

“I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful, intelligent, funny lady during chemo treatments. While most would not consider this a place to meet...Read More » ”
6 of 24 | Posted by: Lynn Sims - Russellville, AR

“Sorry for your loss. You all are in our prayers. ”
7 of 24 | Posted by: Kevin & Annette - friends

“It has been such A pleasure knowing Rockie. She always had A smile on her face and never complained all the time I knew her. Like Brother Ronnie said...Read More » ”
8 of 24 | Posted by: Nadean Haley - Friend

“Our prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to bless you. Bobby, Vicky, & Raven Ray ”
9 of 24 | Posted by: Bobby,Vicky,& Raven Ray - Conway, AR

“To the family of Rockie, how blessed and inspired I have been to know Rockie these 13 years. She has faithfully loved the Lord, joyfully served...Read More » ”
10 of 24 | Posted by: Pam Pawlonek - Russellville, AR

“I had the honor of meeting Rockie in Mr. Hubbard's Tae Kwon Do class. I felt like I had known her for years. She always had a smile and was a...Read More » ”
11 of 24 | Posted by: Lisa Harmon - Russellville, AR

“Rita, William and Clyde, I am so sorry for your loss. She will be singing in the heavenly choir now. ”
12 of 24 | Posted by: Dyna Pierce - Russellville, AR

“RITA & WILLIAM WE THE FAMILY OF CEPHAS CHAPEL HAVE YOU IN OUR PRAYERS DURING THIS THIS. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME. ...Read More » ”
13 of 24 | Posted by: MARION ANDREWS

“Rita and family- I'm saddened to hear the news of Rockie's passing. There is joy in knowing her long struggle with her health is lifted. There...Read More » ”
14 of 24 | Posted by: Kenny Goff - Springdale, AR

“Rockie was one of the strongest women I knew. Strong in faith and strong in dealing with her health ailments. I feel that she must have felt it was...Read More » ”
15 of 24 | Posted by: Dolores Jackson - Dover, AR

“I am so sorry to hear of Rocky's passing she was one Lovely and talented lady. My heart goes out to all who have been blessed, as I have, by knowing...Read More » ”
16 of 24 | Posted by: April Dalrymple - Russellville, AR

“We are sorry to hear of your loss but rejoice in her legacy and her new home in Heaven. Undoubtedly she is an awesome lady. your family is in our...Read More » ”
17 of 24 | Posted by: Craig Family - Conway, AR

“I was very sorry to hear of sister Rockie's passing, but ther is no question in my mind as to where she is this morning. ”
18 of 24 | Posted by: steve welton - friend

“William, Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Your students are also keeping you in thoughts and prayers as well. Cindy Beckman and the...Read More » ”
19 of 24 | Posted by: Cindy Beckman - Conway, AR

“Much love to you...you will be greatly missed but not forgotten. Godspeed..."A" Train. ”
20 of 24 | Posted by: Anthony Smith, SR - Dear Friend

“Rockie was a courageous, strong willed and vibrant woman! She was a member of our martial arts group and I have very fond memories of watching her...Read More » ”
21 of 24 | Posted by: Tom - Conway, AR - Friend

“Was this not the most positive, motivated, and happiest woman ever? No matter what she was going through, she had a smile for all. Such a fighter she...Read More » ”
22 of 24 | Posted by: Amanda & James Winnen

“Rockie was an amazing lady who loved life with every ounce of her body. She was an inspiration to me in her love of God, family, and martial arts. ...Read More » ”
23 of 24 | Posted by: Yvonne Burns - Little Rock, AR

“i am sorry for your loss i am sure she is looking down on us and finally pain free ”
24 of 24 | Posted by: janie lee baker - russellville, AR

Donna Rachelle "Rockie" Richardson, 51, a resident of Russellville, left this earthly walk to sing in the Heavenly choir on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock.
She was born August 19, 1960, at Russellville to Willie and Mary Woodard Richardson. She has been a long time member of the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she served as secretary/treasurer, soloist in the choir, president and vice-president of the Disciple Women and children's Sunday school teacher. She served as the Arkansas State Fellowship of Black Disciples of Christ Church and as Second Vice President in the Arkansas Disciple Women's Fellowship.
She was also a member of the Russellville First Assembly of God, where she was a member of the Sanctuary Worship Choir, the Women's Ministry, missions department, Homebuilders Class and a student of Global University of the Assemblies of God.
She was a 1978 graduate of Russellville High School, where she was on the honor roll, was captain of the Crimsonette Steppers Drill Team, member of the RHS Choir and Varsity Singers and Who's Who Among American High School Students. She was a 1985 graduate of Arkansas Tech University, with a B. A. degree in history/political science (pre-law) and a 1995 graduate with a Master of Liberal Arts degree in social sciences with an emphasis on community policing in Ft. Worth, Texas and Russellville. She was an active member of the Young Democrats of Arkansas, where she held the offices of president, vice president, secretary and state representative at Arkansas Tech University and University of Central Arkansas. She was also a member of the Arkansas Tech Golden Girls. She was a dedicated member of the Democratic Party of Arkansas and held several awards from the Arkansas Model United Nations and the Arkansas Student Congress of Speech. She served as a judge for the Arkansas History Day for several years, a deputy sheriff in Pulaski County, and was in the 50th class of the Little Rock Police Department Police Academy (until her health failed). She served as deputy sheriff at the Pope County Sheriff's Department as a corrections officer. She was also a volunteer at the Russellville Police Department for several years. She was a notary public and a paralegal, with education from the University of Arkansas School of Law, where she was in the Who's Who Among American Law Students and South Central Career College in North Little Rock.
She held a first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do (USTF), a brown belt in Shorin-ryu Karate, a fifth Dan Brown Belt in Vietnamese Kung Fu and a green belt in Goju-ryu Karate. She was a member of the Japanese Okinawa Karate Federation (Grandmaster Masayuki "Mabo" Ward), United States Tae Kwon Do Federation (Master John Hubbard), Grandmaster Han's World Youn Wha Ryu Association Tae Kwon Do (Master Jeremy Fox) and the Black Belt Hall of Fame at the Russellville Tae Kwon Do Academy.
She was a coordinator of the annual summer cereal drive and of the Crime Watch Patrol of Russellville and also wrote several articles for The Courier, including scholarly articles on black history, civil rights and interest stories on local women in ministry. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John Matthew Brown.
Survivors include three brothers, Clyde R. Brown and Kenneth Richardson, both of Russellville and William S. Richardson of Conway; a sister, the Rev. Rita Richardson of Russellville; a sister-in-law, Flo Brown of Russellville; a niece, Alicia Brown of Russellville; a great-nephew, Cameron Brown of Russellville; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at First Assembly of God at Russellville with the Rev. Ronnie Morris, the Rev. Michael Norberg and the Rev. Rita Richardson officiating. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery at Russellville under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.
Active pallbearers will be Aaron Duvall Roger Pierce, Jimmy Nichols, Alan Bradley, Chris Womack and Charles Nichols, Junior. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Central Christian Choir; members of the Russellville First Assembly of God Choir; members of the Arkansas Disciple Women's Fellowship (Disciples of Christ); members of the Russellville First Assembly of God Women's Ministry; members of the Japanese Okinawa Karate Federation; members of the United States Tae Kwon Do Federation; members of the Martial Arts of Russellville Tae Kwon Do School (World Youn Wha Ryu Association, with Grandmaster, Han); members of the Church Women United; members of the Russellville High School Crimsonette Steppers of 1977 - 1978; Arkansas Tech University professor, David Krueger; members of the State of Arkansas Fellowship of Black Christian Churches; members of the Russellville High School class of 1978; members of the Russellville Police Department Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #54; Jay Winters, and Arkansas Oncology Associates Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at West 2nd and South Independence.

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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Rockie was such a sweet person. I really enjoyed talking and visiting with her while was there taking care of your sweet brother John. Heaven has gained a wonderful angel; and earth has lost one. At least she is with her long gone but not forgotten loved ones. God bless and watch over you guys. Cindy Deeds

Posted by: Cindy Reynolds-McKellar-Deeds - Russellville, AR - friend Jun 22, 2012

To "Rockie's" Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Rockie was a very sweet lady. Even through her pain, she was inspirational. I will be praying for you.

Posted by: Melinda Rhynes - Superior Senior Care May 31, 2012

She was a treasure and will be missed. My sympathies to the family. Love you Rita!
Tammi

Posted by: Tammi Ritchie - Russellville, AR - friend May 21, 2012

As a former funeral director at Shinn Funeral Service I had the good fortune of working with Rita, Rockie and William when their mother passed away. I can only say good things about her, she was such a sweet and caring person. We talked about her diagnosis and she shared with me what she wanted and the entire time everything was about making it easier for her family. To her family I say please accept my heart felt condolences. She was a truely amazing person. Our tremendous loss is Heaven's magnificent gain! I will always hav fond memories of Rockie.

Posted by: Jim Collins - yellville, AR - Aquaintance May 18, 2012

To the family of Rockie, when my mother told me of her home going. I couldn't believe it, not Rockie. I'm sending up timber that in time comes healing of your hearts and praying for comfort and strength in days to come. She will be dearly missed. Smile on Rockie

Posted by: Bessie Bazzelle-Perkins - Fort Worth, TX - Sister in Christ May 15, 2012

I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful, intelligent, funny lady during chemo treatments. While most would not consider this a place to meet people and make friends, that's exactly what we did. Thank you for sharing her for a little while. Peace be with all of her family during this difficult time.

Posted by: Lynn Sims - Russellville, AR - Friend May 15, 2012

Sorry for your loss. You all are in our prayers.

Posted by: Kevin & Annette - friends May 13, 2012

It has been such A pleasure knowing Rockie. She always had A smile on her face and never complained all the time I knew her. Like Brother Ronnie said, she was as close to A saint and had more faith than anyone I knew, its so hard to beleive she is gone. Sunday Morning early church will not be the same without her. I know she is happy now to be with the lord, but can't help but be A

... more

Posted by: Nadean Haley - Friend May 12, 2012

Our prayers are with you and your family. May God continue to bless you.

Bobby, Vicky, & Raven Ray

Posted by: Bobby,Vicky,& Raven Ray - Conway, AR - studentof Mr.Richardson May 12, 2012

To the family of Rockie, how blessed and inspired I have been to know Rockie these 13 years. She has faithfully loved the Lord, joyfully served others and loved life, perserving and striving to never give in or give up on life or others. May our God comfort you and fill your days with wonderful memories in the days ahead.

Posted by: Pam Pawlonek - Russellville, AR - Friend and admirer May 12, 2012

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Donna Rachelle "Rockie" Richardson

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