Finding a specific obituary in Jefferson Parish can sometimes feel like trying to navigate the Bonnet Carré Spillway during a high-water year—confusing, a bit overwhelming, and surprisingly tricky if you don't know the landmarks. When you're searching for richardson funeral home kenner la obituaries, you aren't just looking for a date and time. You’re looking for a tribute to a life lived, a connection to the Kenner community, and often, the logistical details for a homegoing celebration.
Here is the thing: people often mix up the different Richardson locations or get stuck looking at outdated "legacy" sites that haven't been touched since 2018. If you're looking for someone specifically handled by Richardson in the Kenner or River Ridge area, you've gotta know where the actual digital paper trail lives.
Where the Records Actually Live
First off, let's clear up the geography. While many people search for "Kenner," the main hub for this specific family legacy is Richardson Funeral Home of Jefferson, Inc., which is actually located at 11112 Jefferson Highway in River Ridge. It’s basically right on the border, about five minutes from Louis Armstrong International Airport.
If you're hunting for a recent obituary—say, from this week or last month—don't bother with the big national genealogy sites first. They’re slow. Instead, the most reliable spots are:
🔗 Read more: At Home French Manicure: Why Yours Looks Cheap and How to Fix It
- The Official Website: Richardson Funeral Home of Jefferson maintains their own "Upcoming Funerals" and "Obituaries" section. This is where you’ll find the most current data, including viewing times at local churches like New Mt. Bethel Baptist or St. Joan of Arc.
- The Times-Picayune (NOLA.com): Because this is the paper of record for the Greater New Orleans area, almost every Richardson service is cross-listed here. It’s also where you can find the "Guest Book" to leave a digital note for the family.
- Southeastern Louisiana University Archives: Now, if you’re doing genealogy and looking for someone who passed away decades ago, this is a goldmine. They actually house a "Richardson Funeral Home Collection" that indexes thousands of records from the late 20th century.
Honestly, it’s kinda amazing how much history is tucked away in these folders. I've seen records dating back to 1978, covering families from across St. Charles and Jefferson parishes.
Why Richardson is Different in Kenner
In this part of Louisiana, funeral homes aren't just businesses; they're institutions. The Richardson family—specifically the legacy of Rev. Thomas Alexander Richardson—has been a cornerstone of the African American community here since 1979.
When you read richardson funeral home kenner la obituaries, you’ll notice a specific tone. There’s a lot of focus on "transitioning from labor to reward." It’s a very traditional, respectful style that reflects the deep religious roots of the region. You aren't just getting a "died on Tuesday" notice. You're getting a narrative of their church involvement, their Masonic or Eastern Star affiliations, and their impact on the neighborhood.
💡 You might also like: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Menu: Why You’re Probably Ordering Wrong
Spotting the "Hidden" Details
When you're looking at these obituaries, keep an eye out for the service locations. Unlike some modern funeral homes that do everything in-house, Richardson often coordinates with historic Kenner churches. If you see a service listed for 31st Street or Rev. Richard Wilson Drive, you're looking at the heart of Kenner’s historic district.
I've noticed that people often struggle to find the "viewing" vs. "service" times. Usually, there’s a one-hour visitation window immediately before the celebration of life. If the obituary says "Visitation 9:00 AM, Service 10:00 AM," don't be late. In Kenner, these services often start exactly on time and the pews fill up fast.
Handling the Search Challenges
Sometimes you type in the name and... nothing. It’s frustrating.
📖 Related: 100 Biggest Cities in the US: Why the Map You Know is Wrong
There are a few reasons why a richardson funeral home kenner la obituaries search might come up empty. Sometimes the family chooses a "private burial," meaning no public obituary is published. Other times, the name is spelled differently in the legal record than what you knew them by—think "Robert" vs. "Bobby."
Also, keep in mind that Louisiana is a "closed record" state for some things. While obituaries are public, the actual death certificates are restricted for 50 years. If you can't find the obituary, you might have to wait a long time to get the official state paper, which makes these funeral home records even more valuable for family historians.
A Quick Reality Check on Costs and Flowers
If you’re looking up an obituary to send flowers, check the "Expressions of Sympathy" section. Richardson often works with local florists like "Flowers by Liz." It’s usually better to go with a local Kenner or River Ridge florist than a big 1-800 number because they actually know the delivery schedules for the churches in the area.
Practical Steps to Find What You Need
If you are currently looking for information on a loved one or a friend, do this:
- Check the River Ridge site first: Go to the Richardson Funeral Home of Jefferson, Inc. website. Don't just search "Kenner" on Google; go straight to the source at the 11112 Jefferson Hwy address.
- Use the NOLA.com Search Tool: Filter specifically by "Richardson Funeral Home of Jefferson" under the funeral home filter. This weeds out the results from the Richardson branches in Amite or Clinton, which are totally different operations.
- Call the office: If you’re a relative and can’t find the info, just call them at (504) 469-2243. They’ve been at it for over 40 years and are usually pretty helpful, though they’re busy on Friday afternoons getting ready for Saturday services.
- Visit the Archive: For anything pre-2000, head to the Southeastern Louisiana University website and search their archival collections. It saves you a trip to the library.
When searching for richardson funeral home kenner la obituaries, remember that these records are more than just text on a screen—they are the final public record of a neighbor, a friend, or a family member. Taking the time to find the right one is a small but meaningful way to honor that memory.