Shirley Randall

Shirley Irene Jackson Randall, age 85, stepped into Glory on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was married to the late Dr. Maurice Lee Randall and they ministered together as missionaries (with the International Mission Board) in Zimbabwe, Africa for thirty years (1971-2001).

Shirley was born in Seattle, Washington on June 19, 1939. She has lived in Georgia (Centralhatchee, Lagrange, Augusta, Macon, Chickamauga, Lavonia, Rome and Cedartown), Alabama, Japan and Zimbabwe. Shirley has always loved worshipping with a local church and, most recently, has been a member of Second Baptist Church, Cedartown, Georgia and Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama.

Shirley attended Mercer University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in June 1961 with a degree in Elementary Education. Shirley served in various educational roles throughout her life such as teaching fifth grade, youth director, Vacation Bible School coordinator, Sunday School teacher, Mission Friends teacher, Women’s Missionary Union leader, teaching Bible classes at Sanyati Baptist Secondary School and homeschooling her children and other missionary kids.

While at Mercer University, Shirley met and fell in love with Maurice Lee Randall who was studying to be a doctor. They shared a love for their Savior, a call to missions and a desire to prioritize family and relationships. Shirley and Maurice’s wedding on June 24, 1961 was the beginning of fifty-five years of adventure, love, respect and hospitality.

Shirley’s mission in life was to share the gospel and to love people which was well accomplished. Her infectious smile, radiant joy and vivacious personality drew people to her. She was a gifted communicator and loved sharing about how she had seen God’s love at work in her life and others.

She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, an encouraging friend, a wise mentor, and a very fun grandmother and great-grandmother. She served faithfully during difficult days in the country of Zimbabwe and the people there held a special place in her heart.

Family was always important to Shirley and she delighted in being Gogo to her grandchildren and great-grands. She leaves behind her four children and their families: Dr Mark and Tina Westerfield Randall of Winfield, Alabama, Donny and Sharon Randall Duvall of Cusseta, Alabama, Sheila Randall Harkins of Bangkok, Thailand, and Dr. Hunter and Susie Randall Hansen of Auburn, Alabama. She is survived by twelve grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren: Miles and Matt Randall, Drew (Beka) Duvall and Colette and Graham, Josh (Becky) Duvall and Justus, Jane, Jedidiah and Jethro, Bethany Duvall, Maurissa (Nate) Edwards and Culver, Shaina (Will) Gill and Kinsley and Oliver, Isaac (Hattie) Harkins and Ezra, Luna and Clementine, John Piersol and Joseph Harkins, Luke, JP, Rayne and David Hansen.

She is survived by her sister Marjorie Barr (Fred) of Rome, Georgia and brothers David Jackson and Daniel Jackson (Carol) of Carrollton, Georgia and sister-in-law, Carole Randall of Blairsville, Georgia. Shirley leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends around the world.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Lee Randall, and parents Paul and Irene Jackson of Cedartown, Georgia and grandson Philip Kevin Harkins of Hueytown, Alabama.

The family respectfully request that in place of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following ministries that were important to Shirley:

1. Second Baptist Church Building Fund, 152 Evergreen Lane, Cedartown, Georgia 30125    https://sbcedartown.churchcenter.com/giving/to/principal-above-and-beyond-offering

2. Lottie Moon Mission Offering (International Mission Board), P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, Virginia 23230.

3. Camp Antioch. Make checks to Camp Antioch and mail them to: Camp Antioch, 3900 Antioch Road, Cedartown, GA 30125

4. Restoration Ministries, Bangkok, Thailand.

5. Shirley’s daughter, Sheila, has a ministry in Bangkok for those hurting due to grief and trauma. You can donate online or send a check to World Outreach Ministries for Sheila Harkins:

https://www.worldoutreach.org/cc/donations.html?fCode=943

World Outreach, PO Box B, Marietta GA 30061 for Sheila Harkins

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June14, 2025, at Second Baptist Church of Cedartown, at 2:00 PM. Please feel free to wear her favorite colors: purple, pink and/or blue.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Shirley Irene Jackson Randall.