Ann Elliott Randall

On Thursday, February 5, 2009, Ann Elliott Randall, 65, of Roanoke, Va., received the awesome opportunity to see her Lord and Savior face-toface. She reunited with her husband of 47 years, Jack Randall; as well as her mother, Thelma Cowan Morrell; and her father, Ralph Elliott. Certainly, she was elated to be in the company of many dear friends and relatives she has missed. Undoubtedly, she was overjoyed not just to walk again, but to leap freely in celebration of being Home. Ann was a beautiful person, so very vibrant and optimistic. In her last years, she endured debilitating illnesses and consecutive medical crises. During this part of her life, she persevered, never complained, and chose to be joyful--a true inspiration and example to everyone.
Ann was truly a wonderful person. A friend recently described her as "a real Steel Magnolia." Ann was known for welcoming others, even strangers, and going out of her way to share the things she had. She had a heart for people who were in need. She looked for the good in others and was quick to forgive. Any task assigned to her was met with enthusiasm and fervor. She was a good friend and confidante. She was genuine, She was also hilarious.
Not long ago, a former classmate of one of her children described Ann as, "one of the best examples of a mother being a mentor to her children." Ann was actively involved in her children's lives and encouraged them in their activities. Her children's friends adored her, too, and often "adopted" her as their "second Mom."
Ann was involved in many volunteer and professional activities. She was a "Goldwater Girl" in Charlotte during Barry Goldwater's campaign. For many years, she was a member of the Brambleton Junior Women's Club and the Totera Women's Club. She held offices in the Virginia Federation of Women's Clubs-Blue Ridge District. She was a volunteer and PTA president when her children were in City of Salem Schools. She was a band booster president at Salem High School, a den leader for Boy Scouts of America, and an Acteens leader at Salem Baptist Church. For 15 years, she chaperoned high school students during their senior beach week trips at Myrtle Beach. She spent 25 years as a volunteer and Coordinator of Development for the March of Dimes. She also volunteered for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Memories of Ann will be treasured by the family she has left behind, especially her three children and their spouses, Bethany Goodwin and her husband, Bob, of Port Tobacco, Md., Vincent Randall, of Roanoke, Va., and Wendy Wall and her husband, Greg, of Roanoke, Va. Ann was absolutely in love with and proud of each of her grandchildren, Tyler Wasky, Joshua Wasky, Jimmy Goodwin, Jack Goodwin, Braxton Wall, Garrett Wall, and Berkeley Wall. She will be missed by her mother-in-law, Eunice Randall, of Forest City, N.C.; her brotherin-law, Joe Randall and his wife, Brenda Randall; her sisters, Donna Venable Turner, Bobbie Abell, Jane Ramsey, and Virginia Hacker, and their husbands; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Family would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers, and support. A special thank you goes to Ann's beloved friend, Deborah; to her favorite nurse, Kyle; to the caregivers who came to the home; to all who took care of her at Lewis-Gale and Raleigh Court Healthcare; and to the many physicians who worked so hard and well with her.
Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the March of Dimes, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Neuropathy Association, Inc.
The family will welcome visitors at Oakey's South Chapel on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel, with Ann's special friend, The Rev. Betty Davis officiating. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.