Our beloved, Jeffrey Isiah Richardson, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2023 at his home in Greensboro, North Carolina. His family and loved ones are deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.

His maternal grandparents wanted their children to have a better life outside Baltimore City and helped establish the first African-American suburban community in this country. Jeff was born in East Towson, Maryland on August 14, 1957 to Anita and Isiah Richardson.

The Richardson children were the first to integrate a local catholic school. Jeff graduated from Mergenthaler High School with the credentials of a Journeyman Electrician. He received a full scholarship to obtain his undergraduate degree from Morgan State University in Theater Arts, where he spent most of his time in the Scene Shop. Purdue University offered him a Black Doctoral Fellowship to pursue his newly discovered passion for Technical Theater. He is one of only a handful of Scenographers (those expertly trained in lighting, sound, scenic, and costume design) around the world.

Jeff followed his passions to New York City after graduate school and designed for domestic and international dance companies, musical groups, theatrical touring productions, and Off Broadway. He also offered architectural lighting design services and served as Associate Professor/Technical Director at Fordham University at Lincoln Center. At North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Theatre Department, he taught, designed, led, and served for 27 years as a Full Professor/Designer/Technical Director. His students lovingly referred to him as "Mr. Rich" and knew him for making Richardson-isms. His students are  entrepreneurs, performers, designers, business owners, academics, psychologists, comedians, captains of industry, and every iteration of contributing members of society.

Jeff loved his family, friends and students. As a man of strong faith, he believed that "As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen was a powerful sentiment and gave away numerous copies of the inspirational book as gifts. The Nativity Story (2005) was his favorite film, and "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie (1979) was his favorite song. Jeff studied the Bible every day; wrote prose, enjoyed photography, loved long drives, and working with his union brothers from IATSE Local 574. He would love to be remembered with funny, unusual, and uplifting stories that celebrate what was good and blessed throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deb Harris Richardson and their daughter, Brianna Richardson; his adopted parents, Eva and Erskine Harris. His brother, Timothy Richardson Sr.; his wife, Roslyn Richardson; and their children, daughter, Maria; son-in-law, Lawrence and their children, Jazara and Nehemiah; son, Tim Jr; son, Isaac; his wife Shannon and their son, Elijah. His sister, Wenona Richardson; her son, Christopher Iverson; his love, Kyera; and their twins, Kyrie and Cali. A host of cousins are scattered throughout the United States. He was predeceased by his parents, Anita and Isiah Richardson; his sister, Miriam Hamilton; and his brother, Charles Richardson.

Let us celebrate him by sharing his character, stories, and words of encouragement from a bountiful and sincere life.

There are no words that can express how grateful we are to our neighbors and EMTs who were there for Jeff on the night of his passing.

A public viewing will be held in Hargett Funeral Service, Inc., 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

A homegoing celebration will be held in St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 2105 W. Market Street, Greensboro; visitation with the family begins at 9:45 am followed by the service at 10:50 am.