Iris Marie's Obituary
Iris Marie Richardson-Charity was born on April 20, 1950, in San Diego, California, the oldest of three children born to Johnnie and Viola Richardson. She was joined in life by her younger siblings, Deborah and Rickey Richardson, and from the very beginning, Iris carried herself with the warmth and grace of a big sister who led with love.
Iris accepted Christ at an early age at Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego, under the pastoral leadership of Dr. S. M. Lockridge, and her faith remained a steady light throughout her life.
She received her education in San Diego, attending Emerson Elementary, Memorial Junior High School, and Lincoln High School, and later continued her studies at San Diego City College and San Diego State University. Iris went on to build a career spanning more than 35 years with Broadway and Macy’s Department Stores, where her friendly spirit and steady dedication left a lasting impression on everyone she worked alongside.
Iris was united in marriage to Leroy Charity, and together they built a home filled with love and family. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Armond Washington, Scott Charity, and Brian Charity, and a proud, adoring grandmother to Kamron, Desenia, and Ava Charity.
Those who knew Iris knew her as a woman who found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. She loved filling her kitchen with the smell of fresh-baked cookies, brownies, and muffins, and she rarely missed an episode of her beloved CBS soap operas; The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, and Beyond the Gates. But nothing brought more light to her days than time spent with her grandchildren and a fresh bouquet of roses.
Iris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy Charity; her parents, Johnnie and Viola Richardson; her sister, Deborah Richardson; and her son, Brian Charity.
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Iris passed away peacefully at home under hospice care, quietly in her sleep, surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving to others.
Iris leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Armond Washington and Scott Charity; her brother, Rickey Richardson; her grandchildren, Kamron, Desenia, and Ava Charity; her special daughters, Maday and Ashlii; and a host of family and friends whose lives she touched along the way.
Iris will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her welcoming kitchen, her unwavering devotion to family, and the quiet grace with which she lived every day. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to bloom, much like the roses she cherished so dearly.
Rest in peace, Iris. You are already so deeply missed.
What’s your fondest memory of Iris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Iris?
Share a story where Iris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Iris you’ll never forget.
How did Iris make you smile?