Deronda Gay Richardson, age 72, of Benton, IL, passed away at 12:40 a.m., on Friday, September 25, 2026, at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

She was born on October 16, 1953, to Dales Avery and Myrtle Lorene (Storey) Kern in Christopher, Illinois.  Deronda married Gary Richardson on October 20, 1973, and he survives.

She attended North Benton Baptist Church in Benton, IL.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and Great Grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her Grandkids and Great Grandson, and had a special love for animals. 

Deronda is survived by her husband of almost 53 years, Gary Richardson; her son, Jeremy Richardson and his wife, Janee; her grandson, Dailus Avery Lane Richardson and his wife, Sydney; her granddaughter, Laindree Neve Lynae Richardson.  She has one great-grandson, Finn Avery Lane Richardson and Banx Lane Richardson, who is expected in December.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dales Avery and Myrtle Lorene Kern and her brother, Greg Kern.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation for Deronda will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Dean Severin, officiating.  Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home or through the Go Fund Me that has been set up to help with the funeral costs.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.