Cassandra Richardson Kemp

RICHARDSON KEMP

Dr. Cassandra Richardson Kemp

A Loving Mother Who Devoted Her Life to Brandi and John and Never Forgot Her Son Adam.

Cassandra Richardson Kemp, the daughter of the late Harold Lloyd King and Barbara Louise Biggs, was born on October 16, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She died peacefully on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Cassandra graduated from Avalon High School as a member of the class of 1968.  She received a bachelor of arts from the University of Pittsburgh and continued her studies with the University of Pittsburgh to receive her master of education. Cassandra earned her doctorate of education degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Cassandra was united in holy matrimony to Daniel Allen Kemp on November 12, 1994. She was previously married to John Thomas Richardson, Jr. 

Cassandra served as a dedicated educator and well respected leader with Pittsburgh Public Schools for 32 years. She began her illustrious career on August 29, 1974 as a language arts teacher for the gifted program at Greenway Middle School, later teaching at Banksville Elementary School. During her tenure, Cassandra served the Beechview community as a Vice Principal at Brashear High School; the North Side community as the Principal of Oliver High School, and the Squirrel Hill community as the Principal of Allderdice High School. In working with the Board of Education, Cassandra was the Executive Director of Secondary and Special Schools for the Pittsburgh Public School District. Dr. Richardson Kemp was a member of the educational fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa at the University of Southern California. After her retirement in 2006, she continued to influence educational realms. Dr. Richardson Kemp served as a consultant to Pittsburgh Public Schools and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In addition, she guest lectured at the University of Pittsburgh and provided workshop experiences through the National Center for Counseling and Instruction at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her influence is also reflected in her published works, both academic and literary. Dr. Richardson Kemp’s scholarly work is based on research related to administration and leadership studies. She recently completed her first novel, “The Legacy of Angels,” set in modern-day Ethiopia.

As an instrumental presence in the lives of children, Cassandra held the conviction that, “When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become. Her passion for educational advocacy was immeasurable. As an innovative leader, she redefined the model for secondary education to ensure that students had access and opportunity to an exceptional learning experience. Her strong belief of each one, reach one, teach one echoed her notion that all students were capable of success.

Cassandra lived by the phrase, “the welfare of one is bound up in the welfare of all,” as demonstrated through her acts of service and devotion to family and community. 

She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and supported local food banks, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. While standing on the shoulders of those before her, Cassandra was a pillar of strength within her family and dedicated her life to honoring traditions, celebrating joyous occasions, and cherishing the company of one another. She embraced the mantle by assuming the responsibility of devotion to family. After the passing of her mother, Cassandra maintained the role as a foster parent for Pressley Ridge by providing a home filled with warmth and comfort. Also, for six years, she traveled every week from Pennsylvania to Maryland to provide childcare for her grandchildren. She was intent on creating an atmosphere focused on love and learning.  A legacy that will be everlasting.

Cassandra bestowed gifts of love and hope that will touch generations that follow. She is the wife of Daniel Allen Kemp; mother of Brandi King Overton (Kareef), Dayna Lorene Kemp, Daniel Allen Kemp, Jr., Mark Anthony Perkins and the late John Thomas King Richardson, Jr. and Adam King Richardson; cherished grandmother of Harper King Overton, Chad King Wilson, Jr., Cameron King Wilson, Kamryn Bryce Kemp, Jada Kemp, Josiah Weaver, Maleeka Lee-Perkins and Naseem Lee-Perkins; dear sister of Thurman Perry King (Linda) and the late Barbara Jean Wilson (Ronald) and Harold Lloyd King, Jr.; sister in-law of Theresa Irene Armstrong and the late Odessa Joyce Kemp and Lenore Ann Kemp;  loving aunt and second mother to Chad King Wilson, Sr. (Louise) and motherly caregiver to James Lee Abel.

She is also survived by her beloved aunts Constance Bethel, Dr. Shirley Biggs, Gwendolyn Biggs, and Ann King; first cousins Rene Biggs Beal (Ronald), Cheryl Biggs, Charles Biggs, Jr.(Renee), Gail Biggs Jackson Brooks (Jesse), Michelle Boswell (Sherman), Tyra King Brewer (Thomas), John Cooper (Tammy), Renee King Durfield (Richard), Torran King (Kara), Pierre King,  Joseph King (Marlene), Dwayne King (Libby), Gerry Moore (Glenn), Shirley Thomas (Robert), Edwin Wylie (Donna) and the late Denise Gates, Robert Gates, Jr., Delores King, Phillip King, Raymond Kemp, Jr., James King, Jr., LeMoyne King, Ricky King, Ronald King, Chester Lee, Delmar Lee, Donald Lee and a host of other relatives and close friends. Cassandra was a beacon of light. Her presence will be missed, but her spirit will continue to be a guide.

In celebration of her life, Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m at McDonald Linn Funeral Home, 529 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. 

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