L. Z. Richardson

LZ Richardson was born on February 6, 1930, in Dermott, Arkansas, to the union of Lonnie Richardson Sr. and Ardelyar Jones. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Lonnie Jr., Fahue, Evelyn, Ed, and James; his son, Barry; and his grandson, Darnell.

LZ attended Wolf Project High School and was a member of the First Church of God in Christ in Tillar, Arkansas. After high school, he joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War. On February 20, 1954, he married Jimmie Lee Ellis, and their union was blessed with four children: Shirley, Barry, Antha, and Nelda. A few years later, he moved his family to St. Louis, Missouri.

Fondly known as “B.O.,” LZ was a beloved uncle among his many nieces and nephews. He provided well for his family, shared generously with others, offered guidance, and welcomed relatives into his home as they, too, migrated from the South. He had a deep love for traveling, blues music, family reunions, boxing, and playing cards with his friends. As an employee of Mayrose and Swift Packing Companies, he always ensured family cookouts were well-stocked with “the meats.”

LZ leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Jimmie Lee; three daughters, Shirley, Antha, and Nelda; seven grandchildren, Cherise, Shanel (Joseph), Alia, Arnold, Raphael (Jacquis), Jacqueline, and Joslyn; eleven great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.