Joyce Fife Richardson

A Celebration of Life

For

Joyce Fife Richardson

Sunrise                                                                                                                        Sunset

October 10, 1962                                                                                                      January 4, 2024

The Obituary

Joyce Fife Richardson, age 62 of Bowie Maryland went home to be with the Lord Thursday, January 4, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born on October 10, 1962 in Washington DC to Sue Hamlett Fife and the late Murray Roy Fife. As a child, Joyce was a natural born leader and adventure seeker.

Joyce was an intellectual who was dedicated to academic success. She was a graduate of Person Senior High School Class of 1980, earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems at Strayer University, a Master of Science from the University of Maryland in Technology Management – Systems and Service. She completed Naval War College, and the Cornell Change Management Certificate Program. As a lover of knowledge, Joyce frequently read many books, visited museums around the world, and constantly shared her insights with those around her. She instilled her deep commitment to scholarly excellence in her son Donald B. Richardson, who received his PhD in Industrial Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan in 2019.

Joyce’s fierce discipline and dedication to excellence was exemplified in her decision to join the United States (U.S.) Navy Reserve as a commissioned officer. With more than 35 years of experience in all facets of Information Technology, Information Management, and Program and Project Management, CAPT Richardson retired as an Information Professional Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. She was a senior leader with specialized experience across government, military, and private sectors. In retirement, Joyce continued her civilian employment at the Internal Revenue Service.

Joyce was committed to advancing the wellbeing of her community. She dedicated her time outside of work to volunteer at Anne Arundel Medical Center, caring for those in need. Joyce’s commitment to community advancement was further reflected in her routine volunteer work with young people. In fact, Joyce gave numerous speeches at local elementary and high schools in Prince Georges County and read storybooks to children, with the aim of inspiring youth to live lives of purpose and impact. It was evident that Joyce lifted those as she climbed.

Joyce was a skilled natural artist. She was a painter, seamstress, knitter, and sketch artist. She expressed her love of music by singing in the church choir and signing her favorite songs across the decades. She especially loved Disney soundtracks, R&B, pop, Gospel, and any genre she could groove to.

In light of Joyce’s numerous accomplishments and talents, Joyce—above all—was an outstanding mother. Joyce provided her son Donald unwavering love, stability, and high standards. She created a beautiful home with and for Donald and their many dogs, which include Wesley, the late Joe, Jackson, Phil, and Max. The love Joyce has for Donald, affectionally Donnie, is unmatched.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memories, one son Donald B. Richardson (Josi) of Hanover Maryland, mother Sue Hamlett Fife, four sisters Terrie Jones, Julie Linzsey (Stan), Teresa Fife, Melinda Fife and one brother Marshall J. Fife (Felicia) all from North Carolina.

One Aunt Ruth Smalls (Morgan), from Maryland, Lamberth and Carl Hamlett of North Carolina. Preceded in death by her father Murray Roy Fife and Aunts Lucille H. Davis, Velma H. Johnson and Evelyn H. Baylor.

Special nieces and nephews Nicole Jones, Alexandra Jones, Antonne Jones Jr., Tiara Paylor, Brandon Fife, Kaley Linzsey and Makada Fife. Three special cousins Cheryl Hilton, Curtis Johnson and Stacey Johnson and a host of cousins, and other loving relatives and friends.