Sandra Joy Harvey Richardson died Friday, August 15, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her nieces, Gina and Vicky, were with her when she died peacefully at Levine & Dickson Hospice House at Southminster.   \

 

Born August 2, 1940, in Gentry County, Missouri, to Vernon Harvey and Jessie Belle Wolford Harvey, Sandra was graduated from King City High School, William Jewell College (BA), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (MA), and the University of Louisville (MSSW). Her professional life as a Pastoral Counselor and Clinical Social Worker was invested in ministry to individuals through social service agencies, congregations, and counseling practices. She was a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, (Baptist) Women in Ministry, and Park Road Baptist Church. Sandra was taught to quilt and sew by her grandmother, and these crafts remained among her passions throughout her life. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, and visiting family and friends.  

 

Sandra was predeceased by her parents; husband, Robert Lee Richardson, Jr.; sister, JoAnn Harvey Van Meter and her husband Edward Van Meter; and nephew, Craig Van Meter. She is survived by nieces Gina Van Meter Butcher (Michael), Vicky Van Meter Bargroff (Keith), Emily Richardson-Dion (Keith), and Rachel Richardson; nephews Marcus Richardson (Carolyn) and Robert Richardson (Elaina); brothers-in-law James Richardson and Paul Richardson (Susan) and her nephew’s widow, Mary Ann Van Meter, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.  

 

The family is particularly grateful to Diana de la Cuestra, who provided personal and compassionate assistance during Sandra’s residence at The Charlotte; to Amy Jacks Dean, Sandra’s pastor; and to friends Anne and Jonathan Eidson. A memorial service will be held at Park Road Baptist Church on a date yet to be determined.