Randolph Witherspoon

A Time to be Born: Randolph Witherspoon was born on April 25, 1927 I Marengo County, Alabama. He was the fifth of ten children born to the late Peter and Harriet Witherspoon.
A Time to Plant: He confessed Christ at an early age at Rock Chapel Methodist Church in Marengo County. After moving to Bessemer, Alabama he united with Allen Temple AME Church and served as an usher for many years. Randolph would later join New Antioch Baptist Church under Pastor Tony Ware. Randolph worked for Pullman Standard for 35 years as a switchman. Upon his retirement he continued working for himself and being known as the “Straw Man”. He was a generous and friendly man who gave his time freely. Very soft spoken but if you wanted to see him smile you could catch him sitting on the porch with his legs crossed!
A Time to Die: God’s angels whispered to Olbay on Thursday, December 28, at 5:45 P.M. it’s time to take you away from the obstacles of this life, to rest and be in peace with God. He was preceded in death by: wife, Betty; son, Gregory; grandchildren, Daniele and Deon; brothers, Samuel, Willie, Clarence and Adolph; sisters, Janie, Martha, Lula and Annie.
A Time to Mourn: Brother Randolph leaves to cherish his precious memories: sons, Clarence Witherspoon, Nathaniel Witherspoon and Joe Townsend; granddaughters, Terra and Chiquita Jordan, Renita King, Tameka (Quentin) Lee, Janique Hines and Lenita (Louis) Jolivette; grandsons, Anthony Hutchinson, Corey Croster and Joe Townsend, Jr.; eleven great grandchildren; brother, Jimmie Witherspoon; special and devoted niece, caretaker and goddaughter, Helen Steele; sister-in-law’s, Katie Johnson, Elouise Jordan and Bessie Witherspoon; special niece, Sarah Glass; godsons, Reginald Taylor and Gregory Henton; lifetime friend, Victor Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends.