Mrs. Patricia Chapman Richardson died August 19, 2026 at the age of 63 peacefully in her home.  She was born June 6, 1963 in Nansemond County, Virginia to Curtis Winborne and Dianne Hughes Chapman.  Though an only child, she had close relationships with her cousins, many of whom were like siblings to her.  Additionally, after the passing of her father, many men in her life, especially her uncles, became father figures and stepped up to fill an important void in her life.  She treasured these relationships deeply.

Pat, as she was affectionately known, was a graduate of Bethel High School and Old Dominion University and worked as an accountant throughout her life.  She worked at Valeo Clutches and Transmission for years before moving on to and retiring from the City of Newport News in the Department of Human Services with over 20 years of dedicated service.  Outspoken both verbally and in the written word, she was known for her attention to detail, willingness to speak on the unspoken, and strongly worded emails that she had no hesitation explaining to friends and family in fervent detail.

At work, a common refrain from Pat was to “take it up the chain” and she led by example, sometimes to the dismay of those above her who quickly realized she was not afraid to tell even a director that they were wrong in a professional manner.  Pat could quickly refer to a policy, email, and procedure at a moment’s notice and worked to hold everyone, including herself, accountable to a high standard.  As a result of her work in human services (Newport News’ name for “social services”), she knew intimate details of even people in her own life, but she refused to tell anyone but God of a single one of their struggles, bound by both organizational policies and, more importantly, her own moral character.  The work of herself and the team she led, though rarely seen or considered by the masses, ensured children and families in Newport News received necessary services.  Pat was a hidden pillar of the community she lived in, thanklessly and humbly supporting hundreds of its inhabitants day in and day out.

Pat’s methodical and logical nature stretched beyond the confines of work.  In her family, she was often a voice of reason and could be contacted to give an objective perspective on any situation; she could even hide her opinionated facial expressions as she did so (sometimes).  She was able to truly listen and synthesize what she heard to create a poignant resolution to nearly anything thrown at her.  She was also incredibly knowledgeable about a variety of useful topics of minutiae, and was often sought after to resolve simple questions one never expected to have.  Wanted to know the difference between a great room and living room?  With one phone call, she would explain it to you off the top of her head before proceeding to passionately elaborate on how much it annoyed her when someone called a den a parlor.

She was also known for her love of children, having taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Emmanuel Baptist Church, eventually spearheading a "Children's Church” during the sermons themselves.  She would lead the littlest of God’s creations out of the sanctuary to learn about The Word in a more kid-friendly setting, allowing their families to fully focus on the word being preached, a breath of fresh air for the children, parents, and nonparents alike.  After a long day of work or church, Pat always enjoyed coming home to a rousing episode of Judge Judy or a program from the Game Show Network.  Her family will miss the din of the television that filled the house on a daily basis and, more importantly, the presence of Pat's lively and loving character in their lives which now will be carried on in their hearts.

Pat is survived by her husband Reginald Richardson and three children Amber, Ryland, and Leland Richardson.  She is also survived by her mother, Dianne H. Chapman and a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles, and friends.  The family wishes to thank everyone for their well wishes and support during this trying time.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. Funeral service will be held 9:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026 at Sixth Mt, Zion Baptist Temple. Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.