"Judith kept working on the homeless
men's feet, week after week, with her health getting continually worse. She wouldn't quit, no matter how hard it was
for her. The homeless men noticed this and appreciated it. Her fine example of strength, courage, and spirit
inspired the men to better themselves and many said that her example is something they will never forget."
--
a foot clinic volunteer
Judith Richardson quit her career as a Decatur High School math teacher
in 1978 to join BellSouth as an engineer, retiring as assistant vice president for performance improvement.
Ms. Richardson was dubbed the "Industrial Mother" for her ability to elicit the best from her
colleagues, said her husband, Bob Seifring of Atlanta. When a brain tumor forced her retirement in December of 2000,
Ms. Richardson transferred her management skills to helping members of the womens' cancer support group at First Presbyterian
Church of Atlanta.
Tragically, she was only 54 when a brain tumor took her life at her Atlanta residence.
"Ms. Richardson was as witty as she was intelligent," said Dinny Addison of Atlanta, a friend
through the cancer support group. After graduating from Campbell High School in Smyrna, Ms. Richardson earned a degree
in math from Emory University, then two master's degrees, one in math and another in business administration from Georgia
State University.
"She could tell wonderful jokes," said Mrs. Addison. "I told her I couldn't tell jokes
very well, so she taught me to tell two jokes. She practiced and practiced with me. I'll never tell a joke without
thinking of Judith."
She was diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago. "When she saw she would not be able
to go back to work, she wanted to find other opportunities," her husband said.
"She especially wanted to wash the feet of the homeless, which she did every week, through a
community ministry at First Presbyterian," said Mrs. Addison.
"She was a very religious woman, but in a wonderful way that drew people to her," said Mrs.
Addison. "She was extremely intelligent and very unassuming."
"At BellSouth, she was the consummate professional," said Senior Vice President, Becky Dunn.
"Her dedication to the business, her committment to the business and her persistence in accomplishing a task set her apart,"
she said. "She was a delight to work with. She had a pleasant, energetic personality."
"She was fabulous," said Network Vice President, Scott Mulcahy, of Lighthouse Point, Florida.
"She was so smart and could deal with everyone. She had a great range of talents. People just like Judith."
Other survivors include two brothers, William Tyler Richardson, of Ellijay, and James Orville
Richardson, of Roswell.
