"Some people only walk this earth for a short time. Their departure reminds us that angels are watching over us."
On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, our family sadly lost a matriarch when our precious Alma Gene Randall, 89 years passed away peacefully in her sleep at home from natural causes. She joined her heavenly family and gained her wings. Alma was born in Newport News, VA, on July 14, 1932. She was the oldest of 7 children. She claims to have learned everything she knew from her loving parents, Eugene and Norenor (Neal) Stallings.
Alma was married to the late Nolia Ringlen Randall in 1949. To this union, she had four children, Nolia, Jean, Darnell, and Ricky. They lived together in Franklinton, NC, and later Wampee, SC, before relocating to Boston via New York in 1955. She later had a baby girl, Gwendolyn.
Alma worked as a private home health professional for over fifty years. The family knew her as a kind soul, always willing to assist the children, give life advice from her life experiences, and share old stories about her parents and relatives growing up in North Carolina.
Alma attended New Hope Baptist Church under the late Reverend Brown, Manning Temple of Love under the late Reverend Manning, and Mt. Sinai Holiness Church under the late Pastor Miles. In 1966 she became a member of The Way of the Cross Church under her aunt Overseer Edith M. Kelley, who was like an older sister because her parents raised her. In the mid-1960s, Alma and her four sisters formed a gospel group, The Stallings Sisters. Alma had a servant's heart and lived by 1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." She had a huge heart who always showed love and was dedicated to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Alma never pushed to be the center of attention. Her service and commitment to others were private acts. In 1988, Alma became the Mother of New Testament House of Worship under the late Pastor Robert C. Perry, Sr. In April 2000, Mother Randall was honored for her service dedication. She was a faithful, consistent member of the Kingdom Builders' Worship Center under Bishop Robert C. Perry II's leadership until her transition.
Alma was one of the strongest women around. Even in the hard times of life, losing her four children, she always presented the positive no matter how bad the situation. She overcame many obstacles, and when anyone else would have broken, she stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Alma. We will carry her light within us and aspire to have her strength.
Her age never stopped her from doing exactly what she desired to do. She still lived independently, cooked Sunday dinner, drove herself, and attended Sunday church service. Alma loved the Family Feud with Steve Harvey and Tyler Perry movies and plays. Her fun-loving, outgoing, magnetic personality touched so many lives, leaving a lifetime full of unforgettable memories. Her unique sense of humor provided endless laughter, leaving a glowing impression on everyone she knew. Her infectious smile would light up any room, especially more recently in the presence of her beloved great-great-grandchildren, Kori and Lil Hashim, or spending quality time with her daughter. She enjoyed doing anything with her family, especially spending time with her daughter, grandson, Hashim, and great-granddaughter, Ja'Tiera. They each doted and loved on her, spent time, ran errands, and made sure she had everything she needed, and always made to feel special. Gwen and Alma had a special mother-daughter relationship. Before passing, she was in a very happy place, and she accomplished all that she wanted in life. We cannot express our sorrow in her passing.
She loved to boast about her family and was happiest when her large family surrounded her. Alma was so many things to so many people. She was 'maw,' 'gru maw,' sister, auntie, and friend. In the 90s, she hosted Sunday dinners every week where her family feasted on southern-style soul food. After eating a lot, she would say, "I'm tight as a tick." Alma was a remarkable cook who enjoyed preparing meals for her family. Some of her favorite sayings were, "Sho'nuff?" "I declare!" "Well, ain't that sum 'em," and "they ain't worth a nickel." She held onto many family traditions learned from her parents. Alma was adventurous and loved life and would try anything once. She absolutely loved the New England Patriots even when Tom Brady left.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Norenor; four children, Nolia, Jean, Darnell, and Ricky; her siblings Morris, Raymond, and Edith.
Besides her one daughter, Gwendolyn, Alma Gene Randall is survived by her 16 grandchildren, Patrice, Ramon, Atrice, Nolia, Nolisha (Leartis), Jamal, Marsay (Sumaya), Ricky, Lakeitha, Altemese (Antwone), Lakeifa, Takeifa (Darrell), Kareem (Tracey), Hashim, Shamiri and Jonathan. She was a beloved 'gru maw' to 51 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren, best friend to her sisters, Betty, Nora, and Dorothy, sisters-in-law to Ozie Bell and Sheila, mother-in-law to Jill and Pennie, auntie to several nieces and nephews, and family to many cousins, and friends, and Mother Randall to Kingdom Builders' Worship Center.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of her family as well as those she blessed through her kindness, loyalty, strength, honesty, and compassion. Please continue to share your stories of remembrance about her.
Masks must be worn and social distancing observed in the funeral home and church.