Evelyn Randall

Evelyn Randall was born in Arapahoe, North Carolina, on October 12, 1935 to Herbert Randall Sr and Pearl Pollock Randall. She took her last breath on Monday, September 16, 2024, entering the Kingdom of Heaven with an unwavering love of the Lord. She never feared what may lie ahead as she said that God would decide when the time was right. She was known as Evie, ma, Amma/Emma, and her most famous self-appointed nickname…Drop It Like Its Hot. Her humor, kind regard for people, and principled approach to always doing what was right, endeared her to all that knew her. Evelyn graduated from Pamlico County High school with outstanding grades, excelling in French throughout high school. At a moment’s notice she was proud to sing the French National Anthem, recite the alphabet backwards, and recall Bible verses based on her upbringing in Smalls Chapel Church. While her plans to attend college were derailed, she was a life-long learner, an avid reader, and to the end requested “Be-Bop” music. She loved to talk about her boyfriends….Perry Mason and Columbo, leading to a continued love of those shows by her girls, including all westerns! She also instilled a love of crossword puzzles; prompting a subscription to keep her well supplied. As her vision made it difficult to decipher the small lettering, she resorted to using a magnifying glass and sometimes putting in words that did not quite fit the clues. We laughed about that a lot. Evelyn’s career at Yale New Haven Hospital began shortly after she moved to New Haven post high school. She initially worked as a nurse’s aide, but her work ethic, dedication, and ability to learn quickly moved her through the ranks with ease. She worked hard, while raising three girls totally on her own. She never complained nor sought help from others during some challenging days. All this while at varying times, her brothers Gaston, Herbert, Edward, and Sultan all lived with her as they came north and needed a place while they settled in. She cooked, cleaned, and cared, her life was not easy but she set an example for her family that will live on forever. So, after proving herself at Yale she garnered supervisory status in her department, took on more leadership roles, and took advantage of opportunities to diversify within the system. She was honored for years of service throughout her tenure, eventually landing her dream position as Dermatology Associate, heading up the supply department at the Dermatology Clinic on Howard Avenue. They loved her as she was detailed, personable, and probably never missed a day of work. And because she went to work, her girls went to school every day. No one stayed home, education was the most important thing in that household. She taught independence, perseverance, and honesty at all costs. She reluctantly retired after 40 years of stellar service, properly celebrated and lauded by her colleagues. Then she had ample time to pursue what she enjoyed, in addition to one of her favorite pastimes that she described as “being nosy”. She spent many happy days at the West River Senior Center and the Dixwell Senior Center where they called her Shorty and welcomed her help in the kitchen. We’d always say that she did not just have a sweet tooth, she had sweet teeth. She loved crocheting, ceramics, Tai Chi, and debuted as an actor in their theater productions. She laughed everyday, formed lasting friendships, and filled her retirement days productively. We all have many ceramic pieces and caftans. On November 16, 2022, she left home with an illness and did not return to her residence at The Towers. She amazed us all with her warrior attitude about survival and in fact flourishing despite the odds. At one point the doctors had given up in February 2023. But she said NOPE, and we all rejoiced. Evelyn is survived by brother Sultan Randall and sister Ruth Randall, whom she raised as her own daughter. Sister-in-law Ann Randall continued to provide loving support. She loved her daughters Vernessa Elder and Lothel Grant(Ervin), and grandchildren Leaveil, Nicole, Willette, and Ebony, and great grandchildren Ja’Mya, Leaveil Jr, Jayonna, Aniyah, Taylor, and Alece. Nieces Jessica, Tammy, Settores, Pearline, and Debbie and nephews Anthony, Earl, and Edward Jr were always in her thoughts and prayers. She is survived by brothers from the Collins family; Odell, Clarence (Mary Frances), Ernest (Annette), Persivia (Nona), Calvin, Eugene,Jack(Cornelia), Dallas, and sister Shirley. She has dear friends that will miss her. Evelyn was predeceased by her brothers: Herbert, Gaston, Edward Earl, Wilson Miller, Richard Collins, Wilbert, Calvin, Dallas, Sister Phoebe Lynetta Collins, sister-in-law Frances Randall, and step-mother Phoebe Blango Collins-Randall. Services will be livestreamed through Facebook @ MFH Livestreaming.

Evelyn Randall

October 12, 1935 - September 16, 2024