Elizabeth Adkin Richardson

Elizabeth Adkins Richardson, age 84, of Richmond, Virginia, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 18, 2026 surrounded by family and a room full of love.

She was affectionately known as “Cookie” to her family and “Liz” to her dear friends. No matter what name you called her, she was a beautiful soul whose warmth, kindness, laughter, and genuine love for people left an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Elizabeth never met a stranger. Her bright spirit and gift for conversation had a way of making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and at home. She had a special way of bringing joy wherever she went, and her laughter, stories, and loving presence will forever remain treasured in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Elizabeth was born to the late Edna F. Adkins and Edward Lee Adkins. She was a proud graduate of Ruthville High School in Charles City, Virginia, and briefly attended J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond VA.

Liz dedicated more than 20 years of her professional life to Nabisco, where she worked as an accountant. She proudly retired from Southern States Corporation after a successful and fulfilling career. Cookie also had a passion for helping others and was known for preparing income taxes for her family members and people in her community. Her desire to serve extended far beyond her professional life. She was a devoted community leader and served as a block captain for her neighborhood watch.

Cookie loved the simple and beautiful things in life. She loved gardening, being outdoors, yardwork, and landscaping. She enjoyed traveling and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her family. She was also an avid puzzle enthusiast and took great pride in completing puzzles of more than 1,000 pieces. In her younger years, Elizabeth shared her beautiful voice as a member of the choir at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Providence Forge VA, where she was baptized. She also gave her time and heart to community service through the Faith Landmark Clothing Ministry.

Above all, Cookie was devoted to her family. She loved deeply, gave generously, and made an unforgettable impact on the lives of those around her. Her life was a beautiful example of love, strength, service, and grace.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Edna F. Adkins and Edward Lee Adkins; her brothers, Warren Adkins, Edward Lee Adkins, Jr and Thomas Adkins, Sr. and her sisters, Hazel A. Robinson and Edna Alfreda Gillespie.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her husband, Archie Richardson, Jr.; her sons, Craig (Valerie) McElroy and Brice (Pam) McElroy; her stepsons, Archie (Lynne) Richardson III and Kai (Cecilia) Richardson; her grandchildren, Craig McElroy, Jr., Breshae McElroy, Zoe McElroy, Kellen Richardson, Ben Richardson, Sorel Richardson, and Sophia Richardson; her sisters, Edwina Chambers, Marguerite (Bill) Allen, and Eloise Bethea; sister in law Mary Adkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She is also lovingly remembered by her devoted niece, Rita Jane Robinson, and her special friend, Beverly Jeter. 

Elizabeth “Cookie” Adkins Richardson lived a life filled with love, laughter, service, family, and friendship. She made the world brighter simply by being in it. Though her earthly journey has come to an end, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the beautiful memories she created will live on forever.

May she rest peacefully in eternal love and light. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A celebration of life to honor Elizabeth Richarsdson will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 1:00pm, at the Jenkins Funeral Home, located at 2011 Grayland Avenue, Richmond VA.

Interment services will occur at the Amelia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, VA on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:00am.