Maria Richardson Bliss

Mrs. Maria Richardson Bliss, 83, died March 15, 2016, at her home in Asheboro, NC following a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Maria was born in Lumberton, NC, on February 5, 1933, a daughter of the late Van Best Dick Richardson and Edna Earle Arnette Richardson. She graduated Womans College in Greensboro in 1955 and began teaching sixth grade at the Fayetteville Street Elementary School in Asheboro. Maria later graduated from the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and served Asheboros First United Methodist Church as an ordained minister. She was very active in local womens organizations helping found the Womens Crisis Center for abused women and children. Maria was a loyal lifelong Democrat receiving several awards from the North Carolina local and state Democratic Party. She was also the recipient of North Carolinas highest civilian honor, The Order of the Longleaf Pine for her exemplary civilian service to the State of North Carolina and her community. She was also the supervisor for Randolph County elections for 15 years. Survivors include her husband, Charles Henry Chuck Bliss of the home; a daughter, Dr. Katherine Bliss and her husband, Brian Dobyns and their sons Tim and Ryan; a son, Charles Richardson Bliss and his wife, Lisa Radtke, and their daughter Laurel and son, Neill Richardson Bliss. Also surviving is a twin brother, Henry B. Richardson of Monroe; and two sisters, Lynn Richardson of Durham and Jacqueline Huntley of Lilesville. The family suggests donations in her memory be made to First United Methodist Church, 224 N. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC 27203. A graveside committal will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, March 18th in the Lilesville Cemetery. Memorial services will be 2:00PM Sunday, March 20th at First United Methodist Church in Asheboro with Rev. Lynda Ferguson officiating. Graveside Service Lilesville Cemetery Friday March 18th, 2016 3:00pm 111 Church St. Lilesville , NC 28091 Memorial Service First United Methodist Church Sunday March 20th, 2016 2:00pm 224 N. Fayetteville St. Asheboro, NC 27203