Mrs. Bettie Jean Richardson, 77, of Albany, Georgia departed this life on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

The Homegoing Celebration service will be held at the Riverside Cemetery on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 am EST.

Mrs. Bettie Jean (Causby) Richardson, 77, of Albany, Georgia, departed this life on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia, after a battle with neuropathy and other medical complications.

Born on August 10, 1948, she was the firstborn of Jim Causby, Jr., and Willie Pearl (Evans) Causby in Albany, Georgia. Bettie attended Carver Elementary School during her early childhood in Dougherty County. Although she took leave from her studies at an early age to assist her mother with family obligations, it was during this time that she developed a sense of personal growth, purpose, and fulfillment in being a homemaker, as well as her lifelong passion for equality, faith, and family. In 1961, she was one of the 1,200 protesters in the Albany Civil Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and local civil rights leaders who were arrested during a march through the city, pushing for desegregation.

In September 1967, she married Wallace Dwight Lewis Richardson, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, hardships, and laughter. She was a nurturing and selfless mother who poured her heart into raising her family. Known for her warm smile, unwavering kindness, and delicious home-cooked meals, she touched the lives of everyone around her with her natural grace, humor, and strength. Bettie was a resilient and confident person. She was devoted to her family and always put them first. She often neglected things she might need for herself to ensure her children and grandchildren had what they needed or wanted. She was a loving, kind, caring, and supportive person.

After marriage, she began her employment career, working for various companies, including The Coca-Cola Company, Albany Lining Company, Firestone Tire and Rubber (cafeteria), and Nut Tree Pecan Company, before becoming a fulltime homemaker. In her free time, she enjoyed relaxing at home, spending time with family or attending family events, cooking and grilling, dining out, fishing, gardening (she had a green thumb), history, house cleaning, watching movies and TV shows (Miami Vice was one of her favorite shows), reading her Bible, shopping, traveling, and washing clothes (one of her favorite things to do). She also had a passion for music and enjoyed dancing around the house. Barry White, Earth, Wind & Fire, Kenny G, and Sade were some of her favorite artists. As an avid music lover, she would explore various artists and genres, even taking an extensive liking to 50 Cent’s album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Her home was always open, a gathering place for family traditions, holidays, and heartfelt conversations. Those who had known her knew she liked to explore the city, dine at new restaurants, and visit attractions when she could afford to do so.

Bettie is survived by her (four) children: Lavoris (Richardson) Carter, Harriet Richardson, Alexandro (Monica) Richardson, and Lorenzo (Nakesha) Richardson; (three) grandchildren: Tiffany Carter, Ahmad Richardson, Leighton Richardson; (six) great-grandchildren: Tamaya, Ty’ Asia, Jeremiah, Jah’quarrius, Ja’quaveon and Jayvien; (one) sibling, Helene (Causby) White; and a small circle of friends who were like family.

She now rests with loved ones who predeceased her: parents, Jim Causby and Pearl Causby; husband, Wallace L. Richardson; siblings, Johnny B. Causby; and grandchild, Deanna Carter.

Her legacy of love, resilience, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She taught us that family is everything, and her light will continue to guide us.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.