Mrs. Shelby Jean Richardson, age 87 of Middleburg, Virginia departed this life on October 1, 2024 at her oldest daughter's home in Alexandria, Virginia. Shelby was  born on April 29, 1937 to the late Dorothy Virginia Moorehead and the late Benjamin Franklin Peterson, Sr.

Shelby's spiritual journey began as a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in St. Louis, Middleburg Virginia, she later joined the Jehovah's Witnesses and was baptized on May 5, 1973.

Shelby attended school in New York and when she moved back to Virginia in 1955, she attended Douglas High School in Leesburg Virginia.  She met the love of her life the late George Edward Richardson, Sr. and they married on February 1, 1956.

Shelby was a stay-at-home-mom as well as a housekeeper for families in the Virginia area until she was employed by Loudoun County Public Schools as the cafeteria chef for 25 years at Banneker Elementary School from September 1, 1978 until she retired July 1, 2003.

Shelby was truly a one-of-a-kind spirit. She was independent, full of strength and determination, humorous, charming and even a little mischievous. She enjoyed cooking, canning and sewing. Throughout her life she was very passionate about many things such as her faith, family, friends and dogs Fatman and Muffin.  She loved going out in field service spreading Jehovah's word, bible studies and attending many assemblies and conventions.  She loved watching Steve Harvey's  Family Feud and loved having ice cream sandwiches and potato chips while watching old cowboy movies. She loved playing bingo, dominos and playing cards.  She loved to dance and listen to oldies but goodies on the radio.

Shelby is survived by her sisters Charlotte Basil, Shirley Richardson and Dorothy Redd; brothers Benjamin Franklin Peterson, Jr.; daughters Joyce Richardson, Gloria Richardson and Theresa Precia; grandsons Robert Valentine Jr. (Leonor), Michael Richardson, Jarvien Richardson, Angelo Hicks (Stephanie), Mark Hicks, Eric Hicks (Alysandra), Kiree Thomas, Kevin Precia, Jr., George Edward Richardson  III; granddaughters Tamika Richardson , Nakia Valentine, Rachel Richardson, Anasia Richardson; nephews James Richardson, Jr. (Kathleen), Langford Richardson (Jackie) and Christopher Richardson (Evelyn); Nieces Sheila Burke, Sheron Hall (Tim), Sandra Richardson, Charlene Fogg and Neilly Griffin; along with a host of great grandchildren, great nephews, great nieces, cousins and friends. Special friends Venita and Tracey Anderson.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Peggy Morrisey, sons Levon Basil and George Jr. and her daughter Gwendolyn Richardson.