Margaret Smith Richardson

Margaret Smith Richardson, 93, went home to be with the Lord on November 30, 2025. She was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 14, 1932, to Patricia Hinson Smith and Lonnie Smith, arriving with her twin sister, Francis. Along with Francis, she grew up alongside older siblings Joe and Betty and younger brother Richard. Times were tough during the Great Depression, and the children spent time in a children’s home to make sure they were cared for. It was there that Margaret met the boy who would one day become the love of her life, John Carl Richardson. Even after they returned to their families, they stayed connected by writing each other letters.

Margaret’s mother later married her stepfather, Vincent Berger, who brought stability, kindness, and love into their home. Their family grew with the addition of younger siblings Bill, Chris, and Gina. Margaret was preceded in death by Joe, Betty, Bill, Richard, and Francis and is survived by Chris and Gina.

On June 4,1950, Margaret married her sweetheart Carl at First Baptist Church in downtown Charleston. Together they raised three children—Carl Russell “Russ” (Patti), Donald Vincent “Don” (Wendy), and Sandra “Lynn” Campbell (Walter). They made their home West of the Ashley, surrounded by friends, extended family, and a lifetime of everyday moments that turned into treasured memories. Their life wasn’t perfect, but it was filled with a deep commitment to one another.

Margaret cared deeply for her family and friends. She was active in her church and women’s groups, kept a warm home, and enjoyed her years selling Avon and chatting with customers who often became friends. She and Carl worked hard to give their kids a good life, raising them to love the Lord and to value family and education. Margaret also loved all her nieces and nephews dearly and was thankful to raise her children alongside them with her siblings and Carl’s siblings.

She was blessed with six grandchildren: her namesake Margaret Ann “Annie” Magner (Brian), Kelli Ingram (Trey), Megan Davis (Bryan), Eric Campbell (Montana), Amy Wilson (Jonathan), and Zachary Campbell. Some of the family’s happiest memories came from holidays together, beach trips, and trips to Rocks Pond. Her grandchildren will never forget the special cookies she always kept in the house—or how upset she’d get when someone snuck one and left crumbs behind. Margaret was so proud of each of her grandchildren and lived for moments with them.

Her legacy continued to grow with 21 great-grandchildren, from the oldest born in 2005 to the three youngest born this year. Margaret loved them all and the legacy she leaves is bigger than she knew.

In December 2003, Margaret lost her beloved Carl after many years of a loving, committed marriage. His passing was incredibly hard, but she found strength in her children, her grandchildren, and especially in the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Hannah Grace—who, in true Margaret fashion, always had to be called by her double name. In 2012, Margaret faced the heartbreak of losing her oldest son, Russ, to cancer. Russ was her rock after his father’s passing, and the pain of losing a child is unmatched. She continued to move forward with strength and leaning on Don and Lynn.

Through the years, the family continued to build memories of time with Margaret, and Sunday dinners brought many of them together each week until COVID kept Margaret from being able to join. During this time, the family spent time at her window reminding her how loved and missed she was. We were thankful she was able to attend the wedding of her grandson, Eric to his beautiful bride, in 2021 and celebrate with her twin their 90th birthday in 2022.

In her final years, family continued to surround Margaret with love, often coming to her for visits that meant the world to her. She especially cherished the moments when her son Don would bring his youngest grandchild, Levi, and the two would share cookies together. Don would also play clips of his younger daughter singing as Margaret always loved to hear Amy’s beautiful voice. The family would all come together for a birthday celebration for Margaret as well.

Margaret leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. She lived her life with a big heart and a strong spirit. We are comforted knowing she is first with Jesus, and reunited with Carl, Russ, and all those who went before her. She will always be part of each of us, and her love will continue through the generations she nurtured.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Margaret on December 7 at 2:00 p.m. at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lifeline Children’s Services, a ministry dear to the hearts of the family. Donations can be made at www.lifelinechild.org (http://www.lifelinechild.org/) or with checks mailed to 1177 Gregorie Ferry Rd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466. Lifeline exists to equip the body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children, women, and families through adoption, global orphan care, pregnancy counseling, family restoration, counseling services and education.

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