Dr. Helen Caroleen Williford Richardson

Dr. Helen Caroleen Williford Richardson, 84, of Clayton, passed away September 14th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born September 24th, 1939 in Fulton County. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Tom Tolbert Richardson; parents, Wilber and Martha Williford; brother, Joe Williford; sisters, Gloria Nabors and Teri Raven.  

She is survived by her son, Tom Richardson; brothers, Sonny Williford (Patsy), John Williford (Beth), and Doug Williford (Brenda); sisters, Allie Whisenant (Tony) and Brenda Connell; brothers-in-law, Greg Nabors and Randy Raven; former daughter-in-law and loving caregiver, Jenny Richardson; grandchildren, Ashley Richardson, JoAnna Bleckley (Tevan), Cassidy Richardson, Brooke Richardson, and Brylee Richardson. Great grandchildren, Addison Richardson, Jenna and Charlie Bleckley, and Brentley Wilson, with whom she enjoyed spending time; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Richardson graduated from Campbell High School in Fairburn, then attended Young Harris College and Georgia Southern where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She also earned a Master's Degree in Social Science Education and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Supervision from University of Georgia. Helen began her teaching career at Lakeshore High School in College Park where she taught Social Studies and was appointed head of the Social Studies Department. She then served as Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum, grades K-12. 

She was active and held many offices in the Clayton First United Methodist Church, Mountain Lakes Medical Center Auxiliary, the Sky Valley Garden Club, Rabun County Friends of the Library, the Rabun County Public Library Board of Trustees, and the Rabun County Music Festival. Through the years, Dr. Richardson and her husband, Tom, mentored students in the Rabun County School System, hosted many Rotary exchange students and supported various academic scholarships. Dr. Richardson was a Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow and a Will Watt Fellow. They endowed the Tom and Helen Richardson Scholarship at Young Harris College. In 2021, she was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Career Achievement" by the Young Harris Alumni Association.

She loved spending time with her beautiful grandchildren who knew her as Nana. 

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home Tuesday September 17, 2024 from 2:00 PM until 3:45 PM with a Funeral Service to follow in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home at 4:00 PM with Rev. John Reeser officiating at her service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made in Helen‘s memory to Clayton United Methodist Church, PO Box 703, Clayton, GA 30525 or to their scholarship at Young Harris College, P.O. Box 275, Young Harris, GA 30582. Beck Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Dr. Helen Richardson. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.