Anna Julia Randolph

Anna Julia Randolph, affectionately known as Anna, Ann, Mommy, Ma, Bolee, Grandma, and can't forget That Women was a beacon of wisdom and love whose light shined brightly for an awe-inspiring 103 years. Born on the 9th of October, 1922, in St. Mathews, South Carolina, Anna's journey through life has been nothing short of remarkable. Her chapter on Earth came to a peaceful close on the 1st of January, 2026, in Alexandria, VA, where she passed away of natural causes, surrounded by the love she fostered throughout her years.

Anna's story is a testament to the power of personal will and dedication. Despite completing formal education at the 7th grade, she never allowed that to define her intellect or her potential. She was a lifelong learner, cultivating her vast knowledge avidly through reading and writing. Anna enthusiastically shared her accumulated wisdom with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family and friends. She believed in the value of education, and her teachings were a lasting legacy that would touch several generations.

Her work ethic was unparalleled, serving with grace and tenacity at the Hebrew home for the aged as a housekeeper. At 62, she transitioned into the cherished role of a stay-at-home nanny for her grandchildren, a responsibility she loved and cherished. Through her work, she demonstrated the beauty of service to others, a lesson that resonated deeply within her family.

Rooted in her strong Christian faith, Anna lived a life of abundant generosity and kindness. She was the epitome of the loving matriarch, providing unwavering support and a listening ear to everyone who crossed her path. Her kitchen was an expression of her love, as she was always happy to share her passion for cooking and baking with anyone in need of a warm meal or a heartfelt conversation.

Anna found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like the thrill of the casino, the captivation of her favorite game shows, and staying informed on current events. She was a woman of her time yet timeless, understanding the importance of staying connected to the world around her.

She is fondly remembered by family, including her predeceased husband, James Randolph, and daughters Shirley Randolph and Sandra Randolph. She leaves behind her loving sisters, Eloise Miller and Willie Mae Kendly, her devoted daughters, Marian Randolph and Joyce Randolph, and an array of grandchildren Jamein, Tabari, Tamika, Akin, Tramein, Brandon, and Courtnie,as well as her delightful great-grandchildren, Xavier, Joidan, and Jaila, and all her nieces and nephews all of whom will continue to carry her torch forward.

In the words of Maya Angelou, whom Anna admired greatly, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Indeed, Anna's spirit of generosity, kindness, and wisdom created an indelible impact on every heart she touched. Her life was a living example of love in action, radiating the inherent beauty of a life well-lived.

To have known Anna Julia Randolph was to have known a soul deeply stitched into the fabric of humanity's best qualities. Her narrative reminds us to keep learning, keep loving, and stay true to what we hold dear. She inspired us to see that every day is an opportunity to teach, to share, and to uplift. Let us honor her memory by embracing these principles and living out the extraordinary example she set forth every day of her centennial life.