Elease Nelson Richardson was born to the late Theodore Nelson and Mary Washington Nelson on April 1, 1930 in Bonneau, South Carolina. She was the twelfth of fourteen children born to this union. She received her education in the Berkeley County Public School System, graduating from Bonneau High School in 1952.

From there, Elease migrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania via Lake City, South Carolina. In Philadelphia, she met and later married Frank Martin Richardson, Jr. in 1955. She pursued nursing until she discovered her love of keeping children.

Elease, affectionately known as "Mrs. Richardson," touched the lives of countless children and families. For over 50 years, Elease cared for children, primarily in the South Philadelphia community, as a foster care mother and the proprietor of a thriving daycare business.

Elease was an excellent cook and kept a spotless home. Her home was a safe haven where any guest could feel welcome and have plenty to eat. No one would ever leave her home hungry and may have had a plate of red rice and shrimp or macaroni and cheese to go.

Elease was serious about family, education, and serving the Lord. She joined Gospel Temple Baptist Church in 1967 and faithfully served on the Pastor's Aide and Home Mission Ministries. She enjoyed visiting the sick. She was a friend that you could call if you needed advice, encouragement, or a good straightening out. She would be the one to give it to you.

She enjoyed music, her favorite songs included Take Up Your Bed and Walk, This Little Light of Mine, Someday We'll Be Together, as well as anything sung by "my girl," Patti Labelle.

She leaves to cherish her memory, five children: John Samuel Nelson, Veronica Richardson Ahiagbe, Frances Richardson-Gill, Frank Richardson III, and Andre' Richardson Sr.; five grandchildren: April, Alexis, Adara, Arianna, and Andre' Jr.; five great-grandchildren: Brittany, Nyshere, Darryl, Odyssey, and Zendaya,: one sister, Mary "Tay" Nelson Aiken of Jacksonville, FL; and a beloved caretaker, Mary Orsini, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.