Joy Fisher Richardson

Joy Fisher Richardson, age 77, passed away in Fairhope, Alabama on November 14, 2020, after a 2 ½ year battle with cancer, in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and wrapped in a crocheted blanket her mother made. She was born in Tampa, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hughes and Hulda Fisher; her brother, Hughes Raymond Fisher; and her brother-in-law, Gary Richardson. Joy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Roger A. Richardson of Fairhope: daughter, Stacy (Chandler) Taylor of Longmeadow, MA; son, Jeffrey Richardson of Las Animas, CO; her three grandchildren, Shane Taylor of Longmeadow, MA, Madison Taylor Dubois (Jacob) of MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and Faith Taylor of Longmeadow, MA; sister-in-law, Karen Richardson Miller (Dennis) and sister-in-law, Teri Richardson; nephew, Brian Miller (Cari); and niece Melissa Richardson. Joy graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, FL. She then went on to Mobile Infirmary School of Nursing, received her BSN from Old Dominion University and attained her master’s degree from George Washington University. Joy was a strong, determined woman who never met a stranger. She was a military wife for 28 years who was able to seamlessly transition her family to new towns, schools, churches and jobs. She worked as a registered nurse at hospitals in Alabama, California, Washington, Virginia and Florida. After retiring, she was a camp nurse at Camp Hollymont, NC. Joy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairhope and the Hinote, Friendship and 3 Crosses Sunday School, as well as the Cornerstone Class at First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC. She was a longtime Christian having accepted Christ at an early age. Her favorite Bible verse was John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Joy loved the Lord and passed her love of Jesus on to her children and grandchildren. Following her mother’s footsteps, she was a prayer warrior committed to praying for others. What a wonderful legacy! Joy was active in many homeowners’ associations and a strong advocate for her neighbors. She was in a book club in NC where prosecco fueled many discussions. Those ladies, along with the ladies in her knitting club, were important in her life. Joy never missed the 5:30 news, and Law and Order, Judge Judy and M*A*S*H were her go-to shows. She traveled the world and collected treasures from everywhere. She was also a lover of etiquette, particularly when it came to handwritten and prompt thank you notes, and she expected the same in return. Joy made it very clear that a texted “thank you” did not count! She always offered great advice such as, never leave the house without lipstick and earrings on, always make your bed and do the dishes before you leave the house (and never leave a dirty dish in the sink?). Joy was a master of folding fitted sheets and ironed them all. Your head would always fall on a crisp pillowcase as Joy’s house guest. She passed her love of the ocean to her family, particularly the white sands and turquoise water of the Florida panhandle. She spent many days on the beach, under an umbrella, reading a book and anxiously awaiting fried Gulf shrimp and RC for dinner. Joy was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends. We were lucky to have her in our lives, and we are so very proud of how hard she fought cancer. The family would like to thank Springhill Hospice and Touched by an Angel for their loving care of Joy. A celebration of Joy’s life will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 11:00am from First Baptist Church of Fairhope. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or the Gideons. Until we meet again…..