Rose Lee Gaines Richardson

Rose Lee Gaines Richardson, age 84, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 28, 1941, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Rose was the daughter of the late William McKinley Gaines and Catherine Marie Cain Gaines. The fourth of five daughters, she was raised in Philadelphia, PA, where she later met and married William Arthur Richardson III.

Rose was a cherished mother, daughter, grandmother, great‑grandmother, great‑great‑grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was beautifully defined by her devotion to the five "F" words she lived by: Family, Friends, Flowers, Food, and Fun. She found joy in gathering with loved ones, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and-above all-sharing her gift of cooking with everyone fortunate enough to sit at her table.

Upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, Rose faced her illness with remarkable courage. Her inner strength, unwavering faith in God, and the steadfast support of her family and friends sustained her through pain, treatments, and hospitalizations. Even in the most difficult moments, she maintained a cheerful spirit that inspired all who knew her.

Rose is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sister, Jeanette Watkins.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her devoted husband, William; her four children, Cheryl Nelson, Gilbert Nelson, William Richardson IV, and LaTanya Richardson; seven grandchildren, Anthony (Katelyn) Crowell, Tiffani (Kevion) Gallop, Robert (Assada) Lawrence, Angel (Dominic) Richardson Mickens, Manisha (Todd) Larkin, Stuart "Mike" Lawrence, and Donavon Richardson; six great‑grandsons, Brandon Lawrence, Jamier Payne, Ayden Lawrence, Nasir Gallop, Sebastian Lawrence, and Oliver Crowell; one great‑great grandson, Marshawn Payne; Three surviving sisters, Juanita Wright, Catherine Watson, and Willamae Spriggs; And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timonthy 4:7

Lovingly submitted,

The Family

Family and friends are invited to attend Rose's viewing on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ, 08004. Honoring Rose's wishes there will not be a service to follow. Cremation will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the American Kidney Fund.