Vartinez Dormel Richardson

Vartinez Dormel Richardson, affectionately known as “Tennis” was born on May 17, 1971 in Kansas City, MO to Michelle D. Richardson and Henry L. Woodruff. Tennis was preceded in death by his father, Henry Lawrence Woodruff; grandparents: William and Elizabeth Woodruff and Alfred Richardson; brother, Ronald "Chopper" Kennedy; uncles, Leonard Woodruff and Alfred G Richardson II, and mother-in-law, Myrelia Bloodworth. 

Tennis' educational pursuits began with Woodland Elementary School, Blenheim Elementary School, North Rock Creek School and Tom D Korte School where he was placed in the “Gifted and Talented” program. He attended Lincoln College Prep and Shawnee Mission South High School where he graduated in 1993. Tennis went on to pursue a degree in Computer technology at DeVry Technical Institute of Kansas City and received a degree in Computer Science. 

Having a love for computers Tennis put his knowledge and skills to use working at Gateway Computers and Truman Medical Center West until his health began to fail. Continuing to use his computer skills, out of the kindness of his heart, Tennis provided technical support and repaired computer helping friends, family and others who needed service for their computers. This was a passion of Tennis. Giving of himself and helping others. He rarely if ever turned anyone down who ask for help. Tennis was a bright light to his friends, community, his church and especially to his family. He gave his heart and soul to help any and everyone. 

Tennis gave his life to Christ at an early age and was devoted to serving God and his church. He was baptized and became a member of Real Truth SDA Church in Kansas City, MO. Over the years the church moved to Kansas City, KS and the name was changed to New Missionary and then to Agape Multicultural SDA Church. He served as a Usher, Deacon, Treasurer and Audio Visual Technician, maintenance and repairman for each of the churches. He also served as a Director for the Umoja Knights Pathfinders Club and was honored by receiving a “Pathfinder Staff” and achieved the rank of Master Guide. 

Tennis met the love of his life and best friend, Verette Woods, and they married May 13, 1994. They created a beautiful family and have been happily married for 32 years. 

He leaves to cherish his memory: his lovely, beautiful wife and best friend, Verette Richardson; his mother, Michelle Hicks (Thomas) Kansas City; grandmother, Ida Lewis Cravens, Kansas City; daughter, Inesha Wesley (Keith) Dallas, TX.; sons, Willis Woods Sr. (Ieisha), Isiah Woods, and Zylyn Richardson all of Kansas City; two bonus sons, Andrew Woods and Luerther Williams, Kansas City; grandchildren: Ajah Tyler, Alijah Tyler, McKenzie Woods, Willis Woods, Jr., Azariah Dorch, Kal-El Woods and Zakharie Dorch; sisters: Felicia Richardson, Halitha Richardson, Kansas City, and Rhonda Miles, Oakland, CA; a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.