Lee Esther Richardson

Lee Esther Richardson was born on August 9, 1940, in Cleveland, Arkansas, to the union of Jesse F. Byers and Odessa White Byers. She was the second of seven children born to this devoted couple. In 1942, the Byers family relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, where they became active members of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Kansas City, Missouri. It was there that Lee was raised and nurtured in the Christian faith. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, a commitment that guided her life. In addition to her parents, Lee was preceded in death by her eldest brother, Vess Byers, and her beloved nephew, Nick.

Lee received her formal education through the Kansas City, Kansas Public School System and later attended Manual Votech High School. In 1958, she united in holy matrimony with the love of her life, Mr. James Eugene Richardson. Their union was blessed with two sons: James Recee Richardson and Ronald Eugene Richardson.

A dedicated and hardworking individual, Lee was employed for over 23 years at Trader Vic*s Restaurant in Crown Center. Following that, she continued her professional career with Knit-Rite Stock Company until her retirement.

Lee was a woman of deep faith, quite strength, and unwavering love for her family. She took great joy in life*s simple pleasures, including watching Westerns, classic films, and game shows. Her love for God and her family remained evident in all she did.

For over 40 years, Lee shared a close and loving companionship with the late Larue *Butch* Hubbard, who preceded her in death in 2022.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two devoted sons: James M. Richardson and Ronald E. Richardson; three grandsons: Ronald Richardson Jr., Dominique Richardson, and Ronnell Richardson; one granddaughter, Brittany Richardson; and four great-grandchildren. Also mourning her loss are her three brothers: Charles (Karen) Byers of Platte City, Mo, Vern (Gail) Byers of Kansas. City, Mo, and Stanley Byers of Kansas. City, Mo; two sisters: Ora (Langston) Parker of Grandview, Mo and Helen Lyle of Kansas. City, Mo; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Funeral Service: Saturday, June 28, 2025. Metropolitan AME 2828 Prospect Ave./ KCMO 64127. Visitation: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM and Ser:vice 11:00 AM.

Professional services entrusted to the Elite Funeral Chapel 11525 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64134. tel. 816.765.0141, elitefuneralchapel.org

Malcolm Morris, Funeral Director.