PORTSMOUTH—Anita M. Richardson went to be with the Lord on November 11, 2021. She was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana to the late Curtis, Jr., and Lois Richardson.

Anita graduated from Wilson High School. She attended Asbury University and graduated from the University of Kentucky, then went on to earn her master's degree from the University of Virginia. She was a past member of a teachers' sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa.

Anita retired from Portsmouth Public Schools after over thirty years of service, both as a teacher and as a guidance counselor. Her lifelong goal was to help each student she encountered to become the best person he or she could be. She enjoyed hearing about their successes in life.

Anita was a member of New Creation United Methodist Church, where she served in various capacities through the years.

In addition to her parents, Anita was predeceased by her niece, Kelly Shepard. She is survived by her sister, Anna Shepard and her husband, Ron; her brother Erv Richardson and his wife, Susan, and their children: Heather Chico and her husband, Ryan, and David, Ben, and Courtney; as well as a great-niece and great-nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Barbara Sarris and all the medical personnel who cared for her during the past three months.

A graveside service conducted by Pastor Randy Duncan will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 17, at Olive Branch Cemetery, 2 Cpl. J. M. Williams Ave., Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: New Creation UMC, 4320 Bruce Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321, or a charity of your own choice. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.