JoAnne Frances Richardson, 84, of Nederland passed away Saturday, February 17, 2018, peacefully at her home surrounding by her loving family.  She was born August 12, 1933, in Tampa, Florida to William and Ethel (Cox) Wells.

JoAnne, or “Nanny” as she was known to most people, was raised in Mobile, Alabama and came to Southeast Texas in her early 20’s when her father’s job relocated them.  She met her late husband Jim shortly after arriving, and they were married July 1, 1955. 

Nanny was a kind, gentle woman whose life was all about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She never missed any of their sporting events, dance recitals, or cheerleading competitions.  She always kept her fridge, freezer, and pantry stocked with the best food and snacks for the kids.  It seemed like she had a never-ending supply of Fudge Rounds, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and ice cream. 

She was always up to date on her fashion, home décor, world news, and pop culture.  Some of her favorite modern artists were Pink, Rob Thomas, Adam Levine, and Eminem. She had a special place in her heart for Elvis Presley and his music as she met him when she was a young lady and even got a kiss on the cheek from him.  She also befriended Chuck Conners in her younger days in Mobile before he moved to Hollywood to pursue his successful acting career.  Some of her hobbies were cross-stitching, sewing, and trips with the family around the United States in the family RV.

Mrs. Richardson was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, James “Jim” Richardson; brother, Walter Eastburn; sister, Mary Wells; her special Aunt Artemise; and her close cousin Emma Gibson.

She is survived by her son, Gary Richardson and wife Kathy; daughters, Glenda Davis and Ginny Parker and husband Steve; grandchildren, Brock Richardson and wife Racheal, Megan Ewing and husband Ranger, Colby Davis, Jessi Farmer and husband Dylan, and Seth Parker; great-grandchildren, Ayden Richardson, Asher Richardson, Clair Ewing, Evelyn Ewing; and long-time special friend Chico Shanks.

A gathering of friends and relatives will be held Thursday, February 22, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur with Pastor Cazzy Francis officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.

Pallbearers will be JoAnne’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Brock Richardson, Ryan “Ranger” Ewing, Colby Davis, Dylan Farmer, Seth Parker, Ayden Richardson, and Asher Richardson.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Stacey Seago and Chaplain David Abshire of Hospice Plus as well as all of the caregivers that helped both Jim and JoAnne in their final days.

Please visit www.grammier-oberle.com to leave your online condolences and memories.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur.