of Little Rock, AR
June 4, 1951 - February 4, 2026
Louisea Lynn Richardson went to be with her Savior on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. She was born on June 4, 1951, to Orville Otto Elkins and Floye Willagene Daws Elkins of Little Rock, Arkansas. To her friends and family, she was simply known as Lynn.
Lynn had an infectious personality filled with joy and laughter. She was known for her kindness, compassion, and remarkable strength. Born with cerebral palsy, she learned early how to persevere, and she carried that determination throughout her life. Lynn never allowed physical limitations or health challenges to define her. Instead, she chose to live fully and to give generously of herself to others.
Her strength was tested many times. Later in life, Lynn underwent a lung transplant, battled and beat breast cancer, and faced chronic back issues. Through it all, she remained resilient and unwavering. Her faith in God and her deep love for her family carried her through every trial.
Lynn and her husband Johnny lovingly raised their own ''Brady Bunch'', six children, three boys and three girls. Family was the center of her world. Early in her career as an oncology nurse, she chose to work the weekend option so she could be there when her children arrived home from school. Even after working overnight shifts, she faithfully attended worship with her family, teaching them by example that faith mattered most.
Nursing was more than a profession for Lynn, it was her calling. She often said it was the best job in the world and believed everyone should want to be a nurse. For nearly five decades, she served patients with tenderness and dedication at Baptist Hospital, St. Vincent, several oncology clinics, and finally at the CARTI Cancer Center in Little Rock. Caring for others came naturally to her, and her compassion touched countless lives.
Lynn was a faithful, lifelong Christian and a devoted member of The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock. Her love for God shaped the way she lived, the way she cared for others, and the way she loved her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Willagene Elkins. Lynn is survived by her beloved husband Johnny; her children Johnny (Carrie) Richardson, Bill (Kimberly) Sardin, Natalie (Andy) Russell, Kristi (John) Alberson, Traci (Scott) Vanecko, and Cody Richardson; her fourteen grandchildren; and her sister Teresa Elkins Caveness.
Those who knew her will remember Lynn as a fierce fighter, a dedicated caregiver, and a woman of deep faith whose love left a lasting impact. Her family takes comfort knowing she is now whole and at peace, reunited with her parents and resting in the presence of her Savior.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Lynn Richardson will be held on Monday, February 16, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Greg Kirksey of The Church at Rock Creek will officiate.
Sign Guestbook
16 Condolence(s)
Carolyn Mueller
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Lynn was a kind, Christian woman. I met her through her husband Johnny, who I went to school with at Robinson. Our paths crossed again when several of their children attended Fair High School where I worked. And she was an oncology nurse for Dr. Baltz when my dad was a cancer patient. I came to think a great deal of her and considered her my friend. My heart aches for her family as they go forward without Lynn. I’m praying for you all. ❤️
Caryn Rash
Monday, February 16, 2026
It was an honor to work with Lynn for many years. She will be missed by many. Prayers for family and know she’s at peace with our savior.
Carri Arman
Monday, February 16, 2026
Last year at Josie’s wedding shower, I saw Lynn and she asked if she could ask me something. She said, “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how is your sister”
I assured her I didn’t mind at all. (My sister has been in prison for the last 12 years.) I told Lynn how she was doing and thanked her for asking. I explained that when people ask about my sister, it reassures me that she hasn’t been forgotten. That simple question meant more than Lynn probably realized.
Lynn told me to let my sister know she was still praying for her.
When I shared that conversation with my sister, she was overjoyed. She couldn’t believe that Lynn still remembered her, and that she was still faithfully praying for her all these years later.
Lynn was my sister’s Sunday School teacher at Otter Creek First Baptist Church when she was a child. Natalie and I have been friends since we were teenagers, and that connection has always meant so much to me. But what stood out most was this: Lynn never stopped caring. She never stopped praying.
That was Lynn. Always bringing others before the throne room of God. Always carrying people in prayer day in and day out. She had such a compassionate, faithful heart.
I will miss her dearly.
Mary Jane Calhoun
Monday, February 16, 2026
Sue Carver
Saturday, February 14, 2026
To the Richardson family:
The loss of someone who meant so much to so many is difficult for those left behind. Know that your grief is shared by others. May the peace that passes all understanding wrap around your family and give you hope!
Phaedra Cowan
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Johnny and Carrie Richardson - My condolences to you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Joe Beck
Thursday, February 12, 2026
I worked with her for many years at St. Vincent. She was the epitome of an oncology nurse. She was, I’m sure, in pain much of the time but she gave up her life, day by day, to care for those patients. My condolences to her family
David Stearns
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Condolences to the family.
David and Theresa Stearns
Janie Russell
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
I feel very blessed to have known Lynn. Her daughter, Natalie, is married to my son, Andy. I had the privilege of spending time w/Lynn at various grand children events. Her beautiful smile & sweet personality made her a joy to be around. I last saw her at our grand daughter, Josie’s, wedding. She was so happy & dancing w/Johnny’s assistance. Although she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, we know that she is pain free in Heaven. I have no doubt that she will be dancing in Heaven. Praying for all of the family.
Cecily W. and Barrett H.
Sunday, February 8, 2026
We are very sorry for your families' enormous loss.
I only had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Richardson once, but could tell she was very special. I've heard many wonderful things about how kind and loved she is and how she will always be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during this difficult time.
Fallon Withers
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Sending condolences to you and your family.
Jerrilynn Taylor
Saturday, February 7, 2026
My prayers are with Johnny and Carrie Richardson due to the home going of Johnny’s mother. May her sense of humor and strength remain with you both, as you honor her life.
Yulonda Payne-Marbury
Saturday, February 7, 2026
My condolences to you and your family.
Deborah Joyce
Saturday, February 7, 2026
I don’t know who wrote Lynn’s obituary, but it was a beautiful tribute and so exactly captured the life of this sweet, dear friend of mine. I’ve known Lynn since we were teenagers, and in all sincerity, I’ve never met a more courageous, kind, and determined soul. Faith-filled, she’s always been an inspiration to me—as I’m certain she’s been to anyone privileged to have known her. Her love for God, Johnny, and all her family was paramount and reflected in her words and actions every single time one interacted with her. How fortunate is her family to have had this staunch matriarch in their lives!
“Grief is the echo of love; it resonates with every memory. The shock of a loss is forceful, but so is the strength we find to carry on in the wake of the echo”
I pray that her family find their strength in the echo of their shared memories.
I will sorely miss her presence in my remaining earthly life.
Eric Van Meter
Friday, February 6, 2026
Prayers with you from our family in Kentucky.
Judy Richardson
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Sweet sweet Lynn since 2013 I have prayed for you everyday you were such a kind pleasant nurse and I’m so grateful I knew you through Dr Gentrys office you are heavens gain judy (England flowers)