Roberta W. Richardson

Roberta "Ladybug" Wingate Richardson, age 76, of Florence, South Carolina, peacefully gained her heavenly wings on Monday, July 6, 2026. Born on September 10, 1949, in Darlington, South Carolina, she was the beloved daughter of the late Robert L. Wingate and Evelyn Holmes Wingate.

Roberta lived a life defined by compassion, integrity, and service. She dedicated more than 40 years to the nursing profession after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Throughout her distinguished career at McLeod Medical Center, she faithfully served as a Registered Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where she provided exceptional care and comfort to patients during their recovery. Later, she brought her expertise and commitment to excellence to the hospital's Risk Management Department, where she worked to promote patient safety and quality healthcare. Nursing was more than a career for Roberta—it was her calling. Her professionalism, gentle spirit, and unwavering commitment earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, physicians, patients, and friends.

Affectionately known as "Ladybug," Roberta had a beautiful spirit that naturally drew people to her. She possessed quiet strength, remarkable wisdom, and an infectious smile that brightened every room she entered. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, and friend whose love knew no bounds. Her family was the center of her life, and she found immense joy in celebrating their accomplishments, encouraging their dreams, and creating lasting memories together.

Roberta was a proud member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., where she embraced the organization's mission of promoting professional nursing, leadership, scholarship, and service to the community. She carried those values throughout her life, always striving to uplift and support others.

A lover of smooth jazz, Roberta found peace and joy in music that soothed the soul. Whether relaxing at home or enjoying time with family and friends, the sounds of jazz often filled the room, reflecting her calm and graceful spirit.

She was also known for living by her favorite saying: "To thine own self be true." Those words guided the way she lived—with authenticity, dignity, and unwavering faith in who she was.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Wingate and Evelyn Holmes Wingate; beloved daughter, Karen Demetra Richardson-Bailey (Greggory)

Roberta leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughters, Wanda Octavia Richardson-Lloyd (James) and Millette Diane Richardson-Tillman (Kenny).

She is also survived by her loving sisters, Mae Lillian Holmes-Lyde and Evelyn Diane Wingate; her brother, Willie Wingate; her cherished grandchildren, Greggory Todd Bailey, Jr. and Taylor Rhyan Bailey; her nephews, Derwin Anthony Wingate, Arnold Eric Wingate, and Odel Deleon Wingate; her nieces, Karintha Shiree Marshall and Alberta Leigh Austin; along with a host of other beloved relatives, lifelong friends, sorority sisters, former colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness and compassion.

Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in the legacy Roberta leaves behind—a legacy of faith, service, excellence, compassion, and unconditional love. She lived her life with purpose, touched countless lives through her profession and personal relationships, and demonstrated every day what it meant to care deeply for others.

Her beautiful smile, gentle spirit, wise counsel, and loving heart will be treasured forever. While she is no longer with us in body, her love, lessons, and enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

"To thine own self be true." Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.

Please keep the family of Roberta “Ladybug” Wingate Richardson in your thoughts and prayers.