Jason Patterson Editor & PublisherMany times there would be a feast on the table before us, and the lady responsible for it would be too busy making sure everyone else’s needs were met to enjoy it herself.
The second your glass of tea started getting a little low she was on her feet to grab the pitcher. If it looked like you needed another piece of cornbread, she would be sending it your way.
She would apologize for not having time to prepare something for desert more sophisticated than bread pudding - nevermind the fact that it would be better than anything you could find in any restaurant in town.
She also wouldn’t mention that the reason she didn’t have more time was because she’d prepared  a table full of food with several vegetables raised in her own garden to go along with a main course fit for a king.
She wouldn’t hesitate to swat my legs with a switch when I needed it (and I needed it more than most) or doctor on one of the many wounds I suffered as a boy.
She never failed to give her love and support, regardless of whether or not I deserved it, and I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without her influence.
She was in church just about every time the doors opened, and she often brought me with her.
She was married to her husband for over 65 years, and she still made sure his hair was properly combed and his shirt was tucked in right before he made any public appearances.                                                                                                                                                                                                 
She seemed to be in perpetual motion. Her work ethic was so strong that when she got older we started trying to beat her to doing some things because we were afraid she would exhaust herself. For a long time she proved to have more stamina than those much younger.
She was always kind to everyone, and people always commented on how she made them feel at home when they visited.
In her later years she suffered many health problems, but she always showed more concern for others.
Bonnie Sue Richardson was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me she was my Granny, and I don’t know how anyone could have ever had a bigger impact on my life. I have no doubt that the rest of my family feels the same way.
To have a family that truly loves you is the greatest advantage anyone could have in life. There has never been a time in my life that I’ve ever doubted that someone would be there for me if I needed help or that someone cared about me.
That’s something that money can’t buy, and our grandparents passed it down to us for free.
If she hadn’t had such a strong influence on our lives, I guess we’d probably be wondering what in the world we’re going to do now that she’s gone. Instead we’ll follow her example and thank God for the time He gave us with her, and ask Him to help us be more like her.
And make sure Grandaddy’s hair is properly combed before he goes out in public.