Shirley McBride Randall

August 17, 2012 - August 21, 2012

Shirley Mae McBride-Randall was born on August 17, 1937 in Hamlet, N.C., to Frank McBride and Willie Maude Pate. After her mother’s passing, she was raised in Birmingham, Ala., by Ada Fancher. Upon graduation from Parker High School in Birmingham, Shirley enlisted in the United States Army. She served as a nurse in the Medical Specialist Division for three years. There she met and married Ernest Randall, and the couple moved to Valley Forge, Pa., where they began their family. She studied at many different colleges and universities, ultimately receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Penn State. She was an advocate of higher education and held many positions in the nursing field, including nursing director of the ER at Thomas Jefferson Medical Center in Pennsylvania, psychiatric nurse at UNC-Chapel Hill Medical Center in North Carolina, and with Solano County Health and Human Services in California. She retired as an RN in 2007 after more than 40 years of dedicated service. She touched the lives of so many people as she worked in the medical profession, as well as served her community. Shirley was a lover of fine arts. She especially liked reading, music, and theater. She was a collector of African-American artwork and appreciated opportunities to experience a wide array of cultures. In addition, she was a professional shopper–it could be clothes, shoes, purses or jewelry. She enjoyed dining out and tasting a variety of foods, always looking forward to the next new restaurant she could try. Shirley had a strong faith in God. She shared her beliefs with others to encourage them as best she could. She loved to praise and worship, whether in church, with friends or at home. As a result, her children were raised to know and follow the Lord. Shirley loved her family and friends. Once you had a place in her heart, you were there forever. She always remembered birthdays, special occasions and holidays. She was giving, free-hearted and so full of life. She exuded radiance, beauty and power, always carrying herself in a regal manner. She could be firm, yet loving; strong, yet gentle; and serious, yet full of laughter. Shirley’s memories will live on in those she leaves behind including her children, Ivan Randall of Pleasanton, Calif.; Eileen Randall of Vallejo; and Alyssa Randall-Sam (James) of Humble, Texas. She will be cherished by her beloved grandchildren, Ivan Borden of Burlington, N.J.; Adrian Randall and Brittany Randall of Pleasanton, and Hannah Sam of Humble. In addition, her memories will be a constant reflection in the minds and hearts of her siblings, Benjamin McBride of Rochester, N.Y., and Sarah Johnson of Raleigh, N.C.; and Aunt Ruth Johns of Philadelphia, Pa. Also, she will be missed by her close friends, Cynthia and Jimmie, Toni, Oliver, and Barbara; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Lighthouse Covenant Fellowship, 1175 Church St., Benicia. Burial with Honors will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, 901 West Second St., Benicia.