Mary Lee Richardson, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 65 on January 6th, 2026, in Rock Island, Illinois at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 10, 1950 in Gary, Indiana, to Mack Richardson and Ruth (Myles) Starks. Mary grew up in a close-knit family where she learned the values of love, strength, kindness, compassion, and hard work. She graduated high school and went on to have two sons, Clifford Lee Richardson and Kerry Lorenzo Richardson. Mary later married Derrick Earl Young, who preceded her in death.

Mary was the definition of a strong woman. After the passing of her mother, Ruth, Mary stepped up and took in her special needs sister Sylvia, whom she cared for and loved dearly. Mary then went on to take in and care for her nieces and nephews Lucas, Anthony, Charles, Crystal, Timothy, Barruch and Makayla. Her hands were full and it kept her busy but she loved every moment of just being around her family.

Known for her outgoing and sociable nature. Mary loved being around people and never missed an opportunity to celebrate life. She especially enjoyed gatherings, having a good time, and making lots of memories with those she loved. Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays, it was the best time for her to spend cherished time with family, and that meant the world to her. Mary was the life of the party, always having a good time hanging out eating good food, drinks, dancing and lots of laughs. Mary also enjoyed watching the home shopping network to find herself a good buy, to know her you know she didn't miss a beat.

Mary dedicated 36 years of faithful service to the Chicago Housing Authority, working in the janitorial department until her retirement. After retiring, she relocated to Rock Island, Illinois to enjoy the next chapter of her life.

Survived by her children, Clifford Lee Richardson (Emily Reed), Kerry Lorenzo Richardson (Rickia Doyle); host of special nephews and nieces, Lucas Myles, Anthony Myles, Timothy Myles, Barruch Myles, and Makayla Myles; nieces and nephews, Timesha Myles, Timseta Myles, Pamela Starks, Joeseph Myles Jr, Cynthia, Bianca, Angel Myles, and Derrick Myles; siblings, Melvin Waton, Kerry Waton, Timothy Myles (Crystal Myles), Joseph Myles (Cherie Myers), Barbara Myles, Venus Williams, and Tanya Williams; grand children, Joseline Bernal, Aunah Jones, Alaya Richardson, Shanaviyae Smith, Jace Richardson, Ka'Von Richardson, Rashoun Richarson, and Kayshoun Richardson; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Sylvia Richardson and Earnestine Myles; niece Crystal Myles, and nephew Charles Myles.

Friends and family are invited to a reception immediately after the service.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, smile, generous spirit, and her love of family and friends.