Mary Lena Richardson Bristow

Obituary: Mary Lena Richardson Bristow, 88, of Concord, NC went to her Heavenly home on Monday, April 18, 2016. Mary Lena was born February 3, 1928, in Rockingham, NC to Clinton and Easdale Taylor Richardson. After graduating from Ellerbe High School, she first worked in textiles. Later, she began work for the Richmond County Schools Food Service from which she retired as manager. Mary Lena was a dedicated member of Cameronian Presbyterian Church in Rockingham until she relocated to Concord, NC where she joined Covenant Church of Harrisburg. Mary Lena was happiest when surrounded by her family. She was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her sisters described her as the perfect role model while her siblings called her their rock in times of joy and sorrow. She was kind and soft-spoken, charming and intelligent, thoughtful and generous, strong and hardworking, selfless and nurturing. She was an incredible cook and baker, an avid reader, and was most content working in her flower garden. She wrote countless letters to family and friends always assuring them of her love and affection. She also touched many hearts through her tremendous card ministry. She was committed to archiving her family's history and heritage and has left behind an incredible legacy for generations to come. Mary Lena was blessed with a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband William Bristow and brothers David, Wilbur, Athos, and Worth Richardson. She is survived by her daughters, Margie Simmerman and Mary Ann Pippin; sons-in-law, John Simmerman and Robert Pippin; grandchildren John Jr. (Amy), Angela (Tom), Andrew, Austin, and Avery; and great-grandchildren Morgan and Isaac. She is also survived by her siblings Legrand Richardson of Rockingham, Evonne Phillips of Leland, Annette Dawkins, Reverend Wayne Richardson, and Mazeleen Stewart, all of Ellerbe; sister-in-law, Jean Bristow of Rockingham; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 21 from 6-8pm at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis, NC and again on Friday, April 22 at 1pm at Cameronian Presbyterian Church in Rockingham, NC. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 2pm on Friday, April 22 also at Cameronian Presbyterian Church with Pastor Charles Efird and Reverend Wayne Richardson officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation: 6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday April 21, 2016 at Whitley's Funeral Home, Kannapolis, NC

Service: 2:00 PM, Friday April 22, 2016 Cameronia Presbyterian Church, Rockingham, NC

Interment: Richmond Memorial Park Rockingham, NC