Obituary of Donna Jean Richardson

Donna Jean Powell Richardson’s journey was one of faith, courage, and gratitude. She would like to be remembered for her unwavering faith in God, her courage to trust in His will for her life and her determination to live each day with gratitude. After a long fight with metastatic melanoma, Donna was called home to Heaven on January 15, 2022, while surrounded by her family in Versailles, Kentucky.

Donna was born on February 13, 1948, in Paducah, Kentucky and was preceded in death by her mother Ruby (Fields) Powell, an infant brother William Jesse Powell, her father Robert R. Powell, and sister Judy Riley.

Donna’s early loss of her mother was significant, however, God placed three very special mothers in her life. Her “Mama” Fields provided the foundation for faith and love at an early age; Jean Gidcumb, her first mother-in-law was an angel here on Earth who taught her genuine kindness and Ann Richardson, an amazing “Granny” who knew no limits for loving her family.

Donna would like to be remembered most as a loving wife, mom, and grandma. Her family brought her immense joy, and it was her heart’s desire to see her family together and happy. Her last wish for one more family Christmas was granted as all her family were able to celebrate with her in December.

Donna is the beloved wife of Donald (Rocky) Richardson. Much loved mother of Jennifer (Shane) Hall of Versailles; Sara (John) Holbrook and Seth (Christy) Richardson of Morehead. Cherished grandmother of Peyton, Lauren, and Jonah Hall; Jacob and Lucas Holbrook and Charity Moore. Dear sister of Bobby (Brenda) Powell; Ronald (Linda) Powell; and Evelyn Perry. Treasured sister-in-law of Sue (Glenn) Reynolds; Bill (Mona) Richardson; Gary Richardson and Allan Fulton; Ron (Paula) Richardson; and Terri (Steve) Sparks.

Donna was also dearly loved by two special cousins who were like sisters, Bobbye Nell Lofton of Benton and Jacklyn Lummus of Gilbertsville; many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

In 2010, Donna retired from Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis in Nashville, Tennessee. Her career as a legal and administrative professional spanned almost 50 years across Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Although Donna moved to Nashville in 1986, she would tell you that she was always a Kentucky girl – she loved all things Kentucky: the UK Wildcats, a Kentucky Hot Brown, Patti’s, Derby Pie, and especially her family who lived in Kentucky.

Donna will always be remembered by the way she loved others. When she loved you, she loved you fiercely, fully and without condition. She was an advocate for equal rights for all and admired Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and a favorite saying: "Fight for the things you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Donna’s legacy will be her kindness, compassion, and love for everyone. That’s a legacy worth carrying on.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Clark Legacy Center, Frankfort, KY on Saturday, January 22 beginning at 3:00 pm. Family and friends may visit 3 – 5 pm and a service will begin at 5:00 pm.

Her immediate family will attend a private graveside ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice of the Bluegrass) in memory of Donna Jean Richardson.