Shondolyn Young Richardson was born to Jeanette Truevillian Young and Earsley Young in Greenville, Mississippi, on January 13, 1977. At the time, her hometown was Indianola, Mississippi.
Shondolyn's life began somewhat normally, but her mother soon became very ill. Shortly after was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and passed away before she could see Shondolyn reach her second birthday.
After Jeanette's death, her father relocated himself and Shondolyn to Yazoo City, Mississippi, where he met and married Bettye Whisenton. Even though there are always dreadful stories out there about stepmothers, this case would be entirely different. In fact, Bettye legally adopted Shondolyn at the first opportunity. It is obvious that Bettye and her family accepted Shondolyn from day one and that they have held a close bond ever since.
Over the years, Shondolyn has maintained a close relationship with the families of Jeanette, Earsley, and Bettye. There were many things to love about each of her three families, but the musical talent was probably the most noticeable. Musical talent was prevalent and apparent at nearly every family gathering. Shondolyn watched and enjoyed her grandmother, father, mother (Bettye), aunt, and several sisters sing in church. She also enjoyed growing up listening to old "homemade" tapes of her birthmother, father, and grandmother singing. They all seemed to have a love for ministering in song and praising God, and Shondolyn would always pay close attention. She, too, began singing by the age of 10, initially with her mother close by her side. Over the years, the experience and confidence that she gained from the support of her family and her church played a major role in her life and musical endeavors.
In 1995, Shondolyn received a scholarship at Mississippi Delta Community College as a singer with the jazz band. Even though her scholarship was for singing, her major was nursing because
she wanted to help others and work in the medical profession like her mom (Bettye). After a year, Shondolyn transferred to Delta State University where she decided to major in Computer Information Systems.
In 1997, Shondolyn transferred for the final time to Mississippi University For Women. At the "W", she decided to follow in the footsteps of her mother (Jeanette), aunt (Joyce), and grandmother (Clemmie) and majored in Elementary Education. Shondolyn received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education on May 15, 1999 and her Master of Education degree in Reading/Literacy on August 10, 2005. She was married on August 23, 1998; and, became a 3rd generation teacher in August of 1999.
Even though teaching has required long hours over the past few years, every minute of it is worth it. When a child begins to master new skills and concepts, it seems as if a door is unlocked that leads him or her to a brighter future than before. Shondolyn loves to see how excited children become when initially learning how to read and when they realize that the words on the page have meaning. With her music ministry, Shondolyn will have other opportunities to get a similar feeling. Just like the child that becomes empowered with new skills and concepts, some adults will get that same feeling when they are reminded of the good news.
Over the past two years, Shondolyn has written five songs and she has benefited greatly from working with Freddie Young and Simeon Amburgey. Without them, this particular album and opportunity would not exist. Even though her dreams once seemed impossible, they are now within reach. It is her desire that her music ministry can inspire others not to give up on their dreams or let obstacles stand in their way.
Shondolyn now lives in Columbus, MS where she, her husband (Michael), and six-year-old son (Samuel) attend Ephesus SDA Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
