Janet Randolph

Janet Randolph, 85, of Cedar Park, Texas...Late Friday afternoon, Dec. 8, Janet broke free from earth's gravitational pull as she took her final breathe to begin a journey to join her heavenly Father. She had with much due diligence prepared herself for this day her entire adult life. Her dedication to her beliefs, faith in God, and care and concern for family members was unwavering and because of that has left a legacy to be cherished and honored by many. Her entrance into this world came at Cleburne, Texas on Sept. 4, 1932, born to proud parents Patrick H. McElhaney and Margie Ann Foust, and youngest of the six children her parents surrounded their lives with. Those siblings were one brother, Virgil McElhaney of Fort Worth, Texas, and four sisters, Morene Stansbury of Cleburne, Texas, Mildred Stepp of Cleburne, Texas, Bobbye Belcher of Cedar Park, Texas, and Wanelle Pierce of Grove, Okla. She is survived by two of her sisters, Bobbye and Wanelle. Cleburne High School was responsible for Janet's formal education where she graduated in 1949, although also playing a huge role in her education in life experiences were her parents and siblings. She formed a special bond with her brother Virgil, with whom she stayed very close to as long as he lived and would tell anyone of the knowledge she gained from him, much of which she still applied until her final days. Soon after High School graduation she married her High School sweetheart Billy T. Randolph who preceded her in death. Janet's life would soon change forever with the birth of an only son, Tim Randolph. She is survived by Tim and his wife Karen of Bella Vista, Ark. Also surviving is a granddaughter, Lorna McPhail and two grandsons. Having enjoyed the enrichment of life provided by that of her brother and sisters that also brought about a rather large family. Today she is additionally survived by eight of her 11 nieces and nephews, Chuck Hunt of Broken Arrow, Okla., Ron Hunt of Leander, Texas, Lynette Perry of Lake Dallas, Texas, Neal Stepp, Nanette Miller and Karen Ordoobadi of Fort Worth, Texas, Raymond McElhaney of Clifton, Texas and Patti Marraro of Morehead City, N.C. Those preceding her in death were Landa Greenhill, Hillsboro, Texas, JoAnn Gordon, Eastland, Texas, and Bruce McDermott, Grove, Okla. There are 13 great nieces and nephews, 20 great-great-nieces and nephews and two great-great-great-nephews who survive her. Janet was a very humble lady, never seeking praise, rewards, or recognition for any of her many accomplishments or contributions that came in many forms ranging from simple lending of time or assistance in a time of need, food ranging from fresh baked cookies to full course dinners, studying the Bible with total strangers to encourage them down a better path, or generous monetary gifts. Over her lifetime there were some very special moments brought about as she was able to travel literally worldwide participating in Campaign's for Christ which were sponsored by the Church of Christ churches. Wherever she resided she was a very devoted and faithful member to the local Church of Christ. Events during her life also created movement about the U.S. As her husband Billy's career advanced that lead to moves including Arkansas City and Topeka, Kansas, along with a retirement move to Bella Vista, Ark. Upon his death she moved to Cookeville, Tenn., Albuquerque, N.M., Centennial, Colo., and her final stop in Cedar Park, Texas, where she was near her sister Bobbye whom she faithfully visited twice a week until she was no longer able to do so. Probably her greatest and most outstanding achievement came about after moving to Cookeville, Tenn., upon her husband's death. Located in Cookeville next to the Church of Christ where she worshiped was the Tennessee Bible College. Not only did she enroll in some classes, over time she successfully completed course requirements to earn the undergraduate degree Bachelor of Religious Education. Again being the humble, no need of recognition human being she neither walked through line at time of graduation nor sought out any type of recognition. Also while residing in Centennial, Colo., Janet was approved for membership and accepted into the Daughters of The American Revolution. A memorial service will be held at the Bella Vista Church of Christ in Bella Vista, Ark., on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m. Randall Caselman will be officiating. In lieu of flowers you might kindly consider a donation to the National MS Society or the Tennessee Bible College.