Carolyn Bradley Leatherman Richardson, 65,

Carolyn Bradley Leatherman Richardson, 65, of Hendersonville, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, surrounded by her family and longest friends, at the Elizabeth House Hospice Center in Flat Rock after a tremendous battle with five cancers. She is preceded in death by her parents: Adrian and Dorothy Sinclair Leatherman. She is also preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Roy and Vada Leatherman and maternal grandparents, Ross and Cora Sinclair.

Carolyn was born June 7, 1949 in Frederick, Maryland. She leaves behind her loving husband of 46 years, Judson “Judd” C. Richardson III, of Hendersonville and her daughter, Lori Richardson DeGeus , and her husband Timothy of Raleigh. Carolyn, known as “Gee” to her granddaughter, Ashley Alison DeGeus of Raleigh will be missed greatly. Carolyn is also survived by her older sister, Adrian “Bee” Leatherman Flagg and her husband Richard of Round Rock, Texas. She also leaves behind her favorite sister-in law, Susan Richardson Portera and her husband, Joe of West Point, Mississippi. Carolyn will miss her nieces: Stephanie Portera Bristow, Cynthia Portera Lyon of Mississippi, and her nephews Brian Portera of Mississippi, Tony Flagg of Texas and Todd Flagg of Arkansas.

Carolyn graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville Maryland in 1967. She attended High Point College, where she met her husband, Judd. She left college early to be the wife of a Marine Naval flight officer. She and Judd lived in Pensacola, Fl, Brunswick, Ga., Beaufort SC, Cherry Point, NC Greenville, Goldsboro, Asheville and finally settling in Hendersonville for last 18 years.

She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1976. It took her sight and left her in a wheelchair, but not for long. She fought back and pushed the disease in remission, re-gaining her mobility and most of her vision so she could earn her NC real estate broker’s license in 1977. She was co-leader for Lori’s Girl Scout troop, and a co-leader for a friend’s Boy Scout troop. Carolyn performed and assisted with Community Theater. She later earned a degree in Hospitality Management with honors. Reading and buying shoes on line were her favorite hobbies. Judd and Carolyn enjoyed traveling to see friends and family, touring wineries, shagging to beach music and singing along with the Nightcrawler’s Band of Asheville.

A funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 19, 2015 at Thos. Shepherd and Son Church Street Chapel with Reverend Dwayne Durham officiating. The family will receive family and friends at 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Interment will be at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in Mount Olivet, Frederick, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Carolyn Richardson to Four Season’s Hospice at 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock NC 28731. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.