Biography: Lauretta Althea Randolph (née Smith) was born on September 11, 1933 in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Florrie Myers (née Powell) and Laurence Smith.
 
Described by a teacher as “always a lady,” Lauretta was nominated in high school to become a debutante, an experience where she learned lessons and gained values that remained with her throughout her life. After she graduated from State High School in Charleston she moved to New York City, where she first built a life in Harlem and later, the Bronx. She became a devoted member of the Church of Abiding Presence, serving faithfully in many volunteer roles, including, Financial Secretary.
 
Lauretta dedicated her professional life to public service, working at the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), from which she retired after years of service.

An avid reader and lover of Black history, Lauretta approached life with a curious and adventurous spirit. She enjoyed trying new foods, welcomed new experiences when they came and never backed down from speaking her mind. Guided by her convictions, Lauretta stood firm for what she believed was right.

She was a tireless advocate for her son, Eric, and worked alongside him to advocate for the expansion of access and services for deaf and blind
students in New York City and State, as part of the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). Her commitment to this work continued long after Eric graduated from high school.
 
She will be remembered for her deep kindness, quick wit and gracious spirit. Lauretta had a gift for making people feel seen and valued and those fortunate enough to cross paths with her learned by example what it meant to lead a life filled with compassion and dignity.

Lauretta leaves to celebrate her life: her husband Isaiah Randolph; her son Trevor Randolph; her daughters Jamise L. Dames and Gayle Womack; her brothers Wayne N. Myers and Clarence W. Smith, Sr.; her grandchildren Trevon Artis-Randolph and Deja Holden; her niece Etta Phifer; her nephew Ronald Myers (Florence); Barbara P. Brown (Wilbur), Gloria P. Backman, Lillian P. Richardson, Clinton Preston (Dorothy), Vermelle P. Simmons (Ronald), Agunew Ladson, Jr., Fredrick Ladson (Angela),
Kenneth J. Ladson, Carol Y. Ladson, Crystal Myers, Erin Myers, Gabrielle Myers, Jordan Myers, Lorraine Murphy and Leticia Brown, Ruth and George Watson, Patrick and Parrish Watson, Tracey and Rhonda Lucas, along with many other loved ones and a loving circle of close friends who became family.
 
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Eric Randolph; and her sisters, Dorothy L. Preston and Edith E. Ladson.

We celebrate the life and legacy of Lauretta Althea Randolph.