Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Serlinder “Lynn” Richardson was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Born in Brundidge, Alabama, on September 24, 1947, she was the beloved daughter of Mary W. Foxworth McGuire and Grover McGuire. Lynn spent her early childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, before her family relocated to East Orange, New Jersey. Following her graduation from East Orange High School, Lynn moved to Minnesota to attend Albert Lea College.
It was during her college years that she met her lifelong partner, W. Ray Richardson, who affectionately gave her the nickname “Lynn.” The couple became engaged in Boston and married in East Orange in 1971. They later settled in Waterloo, Iowa, where they raised their family and became deeply established members of the community.
A dedicated educator, Lynn earned her master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and spent her life inspiring students. She was honored as a Gold Star Teacher in 1993, a testament to her reputation for taking extra time, being both tough and fair to her students. Lynn was also the first African American recipient of the Gold Star Teacher award. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher in East Orange. After relocating to Waterloo, she instructed students at Hawkeye Tech, Hawthorne Elementary, and McKinstry Elementary, eventually concluding her distinguished career where it began, teaching kindergarten.
Lynn was a woman of deep faith, known for her humility, generosity, vibrant spirit and sense of humor. She actively served her community through the Junior League, Club Les Dames, and the Antioch Church usher board and kitchen committee.
Lynn’s memory will be cherished by her loving husband, W. Ray Richardson; her two children, Lyneene Richardson of Ankeny, Iowa, and Nathan Richardson and his wife, Saba, of Los Angeles, California; and her adored grandson, Qasim Richardson. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and close friends who were considered part of her extended family.
The family will greet friends during a visitation and wake on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Antioch Baptist Church, 426 Sumner St. Waterloo from 5-7 pm. Homegoing celebration for Lynn will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 am, also at the church, with burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo. Memorial contributions should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.
Visitation
May 22, 2026
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Antioch Baptist Church
426 Sumner St., Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
May 23, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Antioch Baptist Church
426 Sumner St., Waterloo, IA
Dear Richardson Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Lynn’s passing. She was one of my favorite people and I always felt loved and seen when she was around. She truly could light up the room with her smile and quick whit. Please know that I am thinking of you all during this difficult time and I send my love.
Xxooxox Amy Turner Hajduk.
Mrs Richardson, my third grade teacher. I know I gave you headaches during class but you stayed on me and I will always appreciate you for that. You were a great teacher, great mom and a great pillar for this community. You always welcomed me into your home when I came to visit with Nate, and you always spoke to me when I seen you outside of school… Thought it was cool having a teacher talk to me. You’ll be dearly missed. And to the Richardson family, I will keep you all in my prayers.
My condolences to the family of Mrs. Richardson. My mom.DarleneWilliams send her love ❤️ Our family share the beautiful memories we have shared over the years..Her Mother was my Boss Mrs.Mcquire when i worked for Mampower at the UNI Cue.My Mother was a child Care provider for Lil Nathen and we were glad and blessed to have met this family. May God strengthen and keep Mr. Ray Richardson and this family. Praying for you all. God bless and Keep you all is my prayer.♥️🙏
So sorry for the loss of such a great woman and matriarch. Prayers and condolences to you and your family.
To the Richardson’s, our families have been connected for as long as I can remember. So many fond memories at church and “B’s” house. Lynn was always loving, patient with a good sense of humor. She was a stylish, well educated woman with lots of energy! She will be missed. My condolences and prayers are with you all. Please hold ALL the good times in your hearts and minds. May she rest in peace!! ❤️🙏🏾❤️
Great teacher and role model to many students, great neighbor and great friend. Lynn Richardson, you touched countless people, you were a quiet force of goodness whose impact will be felt for years to come. What a great legacy!!!!!❤️
Mrs.Richardson was my 3rd grade teacher at McKinstry and she was the most kind, loving, caring teacher. She always remembered me long after that. She will be truly missed. My condolences to her family.
I don’t feel eloquent enough to express the deep impact Serlinder had on my life. She was such a role model for me when I was a child. She was so smart and fashionable. She was a guide and support when I was navigating college life. She even helped provide a tutor to help me with economics. Through my married life she was always just a phone call away offering support and guidance. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I really wish I could talk to her just one more time.
Rest in peace Serlinder.
Mrs. Richardson was my favorite teacher of all times. She inspired me to teach and the way she would captivate us with her reading of books made me fall in love with reading.
Mrs. Richardson did not discriminate with anyone, my siblings and I felt the same love she showed to every child in her classrooms. Even YEARS later, if we saw here out and about, she remembered us all and made us feel so special and so seen. Rest in peace to an amazing heart and soul. Thank you for your kindness, attention and patience. We need more teachers like you.
Lynn was my dear and cherished friend for 55 years. She was kind, wise, outspoken, compassionate and humorous. She was a dedicated educator who took teaching seriously. She had each student’s best interest at heart. She loved her family dearly and was a devoted daughter, wife and mother. She could also be a fierce “Mama Bear” when necessary. She generously shared her wisdom and taught me so much about parenting when my first daughter was a toddler. Even though we were later separated by miles, our bond of friendship remained strong through the years. Whenever we talked, we just picked up where we left off. I will miss her tremendously, cherish her memory and carry her in my heart all the days of my life.
My siblings and I were blessed to have her as our teacher. Hands down, one of the absolute best teachers at Hawthorne and McKinstry. Years later she always remembered me. She made a difference in so many lives. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
I never got to know her well, but often found myself in circles “adjacent“ to hers. She was known across the community as a classy and beautiful woman, who was fun, fair, and fierce. I am truly sorry that her beautiful spirit is now gone, and offer my sincere condolences to her husband and her children.
May her beautiful soul rest peacefully. She will be missed and always remembered, because of the love she shared with this community and others. Rest Easy, love you a lifetime.💜🙏🏾💜
I remember Mrs. Richardson at Hawthorne Elementary when she would correct a certain black student to not refer to another black student in the way she kept repeating. Always so fair and so professional. Heaven has gained another angel 🕊️
To the Richardson Family, my deepest sympathy to Ray and your family. I’ve known Lynn for a long long time when her mom worked at the UNI-QUE and I was in upward bound and I worked there as well. She was an a amazing woman and will truly be missed. May God continue to give you strength, peace, and comfort. God bless you all. The Hopkins Family