Betty McDermitt Richardson

Betty McDermitt Richardson, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Nov. 4, 2023, in Belleview. She was 82. She was born Betty Jane McDermitt on Nov. 8, 1940, in Ocala to William Chester and Pauline Marie (née Rutherford) McDermitt. She was the oldest of three children and a graduate of Lake Weir High School and Jones College. She married Raymond William Richardson on Nov. 16, 1958, and the couple had two sons, Ray Jr. and Jim. They were married for 61 years. Betty was actively involved in her community. She spent 34 years with the city of Leesburg, retiring from her position as city clerk in 2014. She also was a member of Altrusa International, a former president of the Florida Association of City Clerks and an ambassador for the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce. She fiercely loved the Florida Gators, a passion she and Ray instilled in their children and grandchildren. They were football season ticket holders for more than 30 years and supported the Gators in all kinds of weather. Affectionately known as “Dobby” to her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Betty was a doting grandmother. She was a constant presence in their lives and strived to be at any and everything they were involved in. Ray and Betty were longtime members of First Baptist Church of Leesburg, and their faith was an essential part of their lives. Their family takes comfort in the knowledge that they are together again and with Jesus. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bill McDermitt; and her husband. She is survived by her sons, Ray (Dee Dee) Richardson Jr., of Westbrook, Maine; and Jim (Jane) Richardson, of Fruitland Park, Florida; her grandchildren Tripp Richardson, Conner (Bailey) Richardson, Lela (Brandon) Griffith and Elizabeth (Justin) Neptune, of Maine; and Lindsay (Kyle) Sellars and Lauren Richardson, of Florida; her great-grandchildren Claire, Maggie and Gage Sellars, Carter, Lincoln and Watson Richardson and Charlie Griffith; her sister, Sue Wright, of Summerfield, Florida; and her nephew, Rich (Paul Loven) Price, of Westbrook, Maine. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at First Baptist Church of Leesburg. A graveside service will follow. A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at Beyers Funeral Home in Leesburg. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Betty McDermitt Richardson

November 8, 1940 - November 4, 2023