Joseph Randall Sr.

Reflections

Of

The life of Deacon Joseph Randall, Sr.

A Time to be Born

We follow a pathway that has no certain end, as we travel through life day by day.  Deacon Joseph Randall, Sr. was born on January 5, 1925, in Forsyth, Georgia, he was the third child of the late Mack and Susie Mathis Randall. However, he was reared by his maternal grandparents the late Chester and Mattie Bowden Mathis; also influenced greatly by his great-grandfather the late Flem Bowden.

A Time to Learn

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

II Timothy 2:15

Seeking a better life and being a firm believer of higher learning, he encouraged his children to further their education and follow their dreams.  Deacon Randall wanting to keep up with the changing world around him,  attended computer classes at Morning Star’s Computer School and obtained knowledge on new technology.

A Time to Love

Leaving Georgia in 1944 and  arriving in New York, he met and married the love of his life, the late Rosa Luvenia Battle Randall on July 26, 1947.  They then relocated to Clairton, PA where they raised their six loving children.

A Time to Work

While in New York, Deacon Randall was employed at a Jewish Hospital as a cook.  Upon moving to Clairton, he gained employment at United States Steel Clairton Works. Having a community mindset, Deacon Randall became a Clairton Auxiliary Policeman.  He retired in 1989 from Meyers Brother Parking System in Chatham Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

A Time to Serve God

Deacon Randall was baptized in Wright Grove Baptist Church in Forsyth, GA, there he accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of five. He was a 65 plus member here at Morning Star Baptist Church. Deacon Randall was ordained to the Deacon Board, November 11, 1961, under the leadership of the late Reverend Rosamond C. Kay.

Deacon Randall had a great tenor voice and loved to share his meter and old gospel songs whenever he was in  morning service;  “I Want To Be Ready To Walk Into Jerusalem Just Like John,” “I Know I’ve Been Change.” “It’s Going To Rain,” and “Blessed Assurance” just to name a few.  Having a love to sing he was also a member of the Senior and Inspirational Choirs, Gospel and Male Chorus, and the Clairton Community Choir.  Deacon Randall was also a member of the Sunday School and the Senior Deacon who watched carefully over Junior Church.

A Time of Rest

Deacon Randall departed this life on Monday, December 23, 2019, at Southwestern Nursing Center peacefully in his sleep with family at his side.  Just before his transition, he was heard singing his final song “I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Praying.”  He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Randall, Jr.; siblings, brother, Early Charles Randall; sisters, Mattie Anderson and Lillian Smith.

Forever Remembered

His memories and legacy will be cherished by his children, Mack (Pamela) Randall, Sr. Roosevelt (Eunice) Randall, Linda Randall, Arlene (Late Timothy) Embry and Diane (Gerald) Brown; 23 grandchildren and a host of great and great-great grandchildren; brother-n law, Rudolph Jones and sister-in-law, Agnes Taulton.; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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