DORIS
RICHARDSON
M.B.E., B.Sc.
1899 - 2000
Headmistress of
Tipton
St. John Primary
School 1940 - 1961
Doris Richardson is not a family member. But I was attracted to her headstone on a walk through the churchyard of St. John the Evangelist, Tipton St. John, England. She was not only headmistress of the school in this small village, she lived to the great age of 101 or thereabouts!
Earlier this year, on a road trip throughout Great Britian, we visited this churchyard for a specific purpose. Hubby's research tells him that his great-grandfather was born in the area and most likely attended this church. Today, the village has a pub (what village doesn't???) and a primary school, which is associated with the church. But the Post Office was closed a few years ago, presumable due to lack of use. There are about 350 residents.
Hubby didn't want to call in advance and just wanted a look around the churchyard. But he was so lucky, several parish members were present the afternoon we showed up. We got some good history on the church and the area. Although no one knew the family, he made a contact to connect with in the future. And it's just really nice to stand in the area and know that your ancestors looked at the same view over the valley.
And here's the church and those views:
