Mary L. Richardson-Young, 65, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity, Rock Island.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the family.

Born on June 10, 1960, in Gary, Indiana, to Mack Richardson and Ruth (Myles) Starks. Mary grew up in a close-knit family where she learned the values of love, strength, kindness, compassion, and hard work. She graduated from Phillips High School and had two children, Clifford Lee Richardson and Kerry Lorenzo Richardson. Mary later married Derrick Earl Young, who preceded her in death.

Mary was the definition of a strong woman. After the passing of her mother, Ruth, Mary stepped up to keep the family as close knit as possible. She took in her special needs sister, Sylvia, whom she cared for and loved dearly. Mary then took in can cared for her nieces and nephews, Lucas, Anthony, Charles, Crystal, Timothy, Baruch, and Makayla. To them, she was known as "Aunt Dee." Her hands were full, but she loved every moment of simply being around her family.

Known for her outgoing and sociable nature, Mary loved being around people and never missed an opportunity to celebrate life. She especially enjoyed gatherings, having a good time, and making lots of memories with those she loved. Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays; it was the best time for her to spend cherished time with family and that meant the world to her. Mary was the life of the party and known by close family and friends as MayLee, always having a good time and hanging out and eating good food, having drinks, dancing, and lots of laughs. Mary also enjoyed watching the home shopping network to find herself a good buy. To know her you know she didn't miss a beat.

Mary dedicated 36 years of faithful service to the Chicago Housing Authority, working in the janitorial department until her retirement. After retirement, she relocated to Rock Island, Illinois to enjoy the next chapter of her life.

She is survived by her children, Clifford Lee Richardson (Emily Reed), Kerry Lorenzo Richardson (Rickia Doyle); host of special nephews and nieces, Lucas Myles, Anthony Myles, Timothy Myles, Barruch Myles, and Makayla Myles; nieces and nephews, Timesha Myles, Timseta Myles, Pamela Starks, Jospeh Starks Jr., Cynthia Myles, Bianca Myles, Angel Myles, and Derrick Gaten; siblings, Kerry Waton, Timothy Myles (Crystal Myles), Jospeh Myles (Cherie Myers), Barbara Myles, Venus Willimas, and Tanya William; grandchildren, Joseline Bernal, Aunah Jones, Alaya Richardson, Shanaviyae Smith, Jace Richardson, Ka'Von Richardson, Rashoun Richardson, and Kayshoun Richardson; uncle, (Sowein) Sylvester Starks; Aunt Bee (Luvian Hodges); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Melvin Waton; sisters, Sylvia Richardson, Earnestine Myles, and Zina Young; nieces, Zakeya Young and Crystal Myles; nephew, Charles Myles; aunt, (Liz) Elizabeth Starks; and mother-in-law, Laura Young.

Mary will be remembered for her strength, smile, generous spirit, and her love of family and friends.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.wheelanpressly.com.