Sandra Clark Richardson

Sandra “Sandi” Clark Richardson, of 20098 McCray Dr., Abingdon, VA, died peacefully on October 14, 2024 in the Bristol Regional Medical Center after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born May 4, 1956 in Lebanon, VA to John and Helen Clark. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Sandi was a graduate of Lebanon High School in 1974. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia's College at Wise (UVa-Wise), formerly Clinch Valley College, in 1976, a master’s degree in education from UVa-Wise in 1982, and a doctorate degree in education from East Tennessee State University in 1987. 

Sandi joined the UVa-Wise faculty in 1987 as an adjunct professor in the Department of Education. In 1992, she became a full-time Professor of Education, a role she served in for 29 years through her retirement in 2021. She also served as the Chair of the Department of Education for many years. She was the recipient of the university’s Outstanding Service Award in 2000. She contributed significantly to the depth and breadth of the education curriculum at UVa-Wise, especially regarding early childhood education, as well as guided countless students in pursuing careers in education.

In addition to her primary job responsibilities, she worked tirelessly to bring attention to the field of education through her diligent and inspirational service as sponsor and Faculty Advisor of the UVa-Wise Chapter of the Student Virginia Education Association for 27 years. Additionally, she founded the Southwest Virginia Early Childhood Education Conference in 1993, and then continued to organize and coordinate the event with enthusiasm until her retirement. She also remained dedicated to serving the children in the Southwest Virginia community through her organization and coordination of several events, including ‘Funtasia’ for 27 years, a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party for 23 years, and a Christmas gift-wrapping party for Head Start children for 22 years. 

In her personal life, Sandi was a proud mother of four children and one beloved Maltipoo, Gus. She just recently celebrated 47 years of a happy marriage in August. Her family was the only thing in her life that took priority over her passion for education. Some of her favorite pastimes included shopping in Pigeon Forge, eating at Cracker Barrel, and listening to Kenny Rogers. She was a member of First Christian Church in Abingdon, VA. 

Sandra is survived by husband William Arnold Richardson; son Jonathan William Richardson and wife Zrria of Claremont, CA; son Stephen William Richardson and wife Abby of Richmond, VA; daughter Samantha Richardson Glaser and husband Luke of Hazard, KY; and son Christopher William Richardson of Abingdon, VA. 

She is also survived by four grandchildren, who she adored: Hadley Richardson, Clark Richardson, Nile Richardson, and Jude Glaser; sister-in-law Marti Head; nephew David Head; and very special friends Reatha Cole and Debbie Yates. 

The family wishes to thank those who have provided comfort and support to Sandi over the last two years as her health declined. Additionally, the family thanks Dr. Rachel Pienknagura, Dr. Gretchen Kimmick, Dr. Zachary Reitman, and the many kind nurses and assistants at the Duke University Cancer Center that became personally invested in the health and wellbeing of Sandi during her battle with cancer. 

Funeral service will be conducted on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 4pm in the Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service Chapel with Pastor Tom Crise officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3pm until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of charitable contributions in memory of Sandi to the UVa Wise Department of Education, www.givecampus.com/campaigns/19444/donations/new or the Duke Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Fund, www.gifts.duke.edu/dci.

Expressions of sympathy to the family may be made on our website at chfunerals.com or on our Facebook page. Combs-Hess Funeral and Cremation Service, 291 Highway 71, Lebanon, Va. 24266, 276-889-4444.