Esperanza Francis Richardson was the youngest of nine siblings, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend to so many. She lived her life to the fullest and always knew how to make any situation brighter. Essie was born in California, but she lived all over the world and the country when she married the love of her life and United States Air Force Loadmaster Bill Richardson. After Bill retired from the Air Force, they purchased a motel and restaurant in Sheridan, AR which would be named Essie's Restaurant and Motel and would serve as a gathering place for the community for many years. After selling the restaurant, Essie moved to Hot Springs where she enjoyed being an active member of the Spa City Organ Club and taking care of her beautiful lawn and plants. Essie didn't know a stranger and impacted so many people throughout her life. She spent the last 30 years running the concession stand at Centerville Dragway, where she was famous for her drag burgers and always having a smile on her face. Essie loved to be fancy and always made sure her make-up and hair were done, even if running out the door for just a few minutes. She was a true lady. There will never be another person like Essie (Abuela) and we are all better for having had her in our lives. We love you and miss you so much it hurts, but we will do our best to continue to live our lives to the fullest…just as you did.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy (Bill) R. Richardson; her son, Johnny (John) Richardson; mother, Sabona Martinez Macias; father, Pedro Macias and seven of her eight siblings.

Survivors include her daughters, Patricia Lee Richardson Styles (Wayne), Phyllis Ann Richardson Hall (Alan); sister, Delores Valtazar; grandchildren, Billie Crowder Krummrei (James), Candace Crowder, Sunny Styles-Foster (Eric), Daniel Crowder, Amber Styles-Emberson (Caleb), Stormy Floyd Wester; great grandchildren, Reese, Kitt, Kora, Chloe, Jordan, Emma, Lyric, Hettie, Boone and multiple nieces and nephews from California, Kentucky and across the country.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Augustine Church, 1001 N. 2nd St., in Dardanelle, AR on Thursday, July 20th

at 1pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Centerville Dragway on Sunday, July 23rd from 5pm-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send potted plants or plants that can be replanted, as anyone who knew Ms. Essie knew how much she loved taking care of her plants.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home and River Valley Cremations in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com