TaJanae Dymanique Randall

Tajanae' Dymanique Randall, affectionately known as "Taja", "Tada" or "Tay"" entered this world on April 28, 1996, in Towson, Maryland. She was the oldest child born to Tiffany Mickey and Plennis Randall III. Taja departed this life suddenly on Friday, January 17.2025. Despite the challenges she faced due to her disabling conditions, she lived her life with an incredible spirit and a contagious joy that touched everyone around her. At birth, Taja was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by fluid buildup on the brain. Gradually, over time, she was also diagnosed with autism, epilepsy, and developmental and behavioral disorders. Taja spent the first eight months of her life in the NICU at GBMC, and at that time, her family was informed that her prognosis was dire-she might not survive beyond a few days, and if she did, she would likely remain in a vegetative state. At just two months old, Taja underwent her first brain surgery, after which she was transferred from Greater Baltimore Medical Center to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she received care from Dr. Benjamin Carson and his team. Despite what doctors believed, Taja began to demonstrate a want to be here. Her big personality started young. She started walking at the age of three and even talking shortly after (even though her first word was four letters starting with S and ending with T). It was at that time when we realized she was going to be a ray of sunshine to best put it. Taja was raised in Baltimore County, Maryland and received her education in the Baltimore County Public School System. She attended Winands Elementary School, Pikesville Middle School and lastly, she graduated from Owings Mills High School in 2017 earning her certificate of completion. It was through the school system that Taja was presented with the opportunity to hold small volunteer positions in the community at The Red Cross, Future Care and Food Lion. She was able to pass out food trays, stack canned goods and put groceries away. Taja continued her development at the Living Sans Frontiers Adult Day program, where she focused on life skills and formed meaningful friendships and bonds. She shared her daily experiences "at the program" as she would say, with enthusiasm. From a very early age, Taja was introduced to God and the church, often expressing a deep desire to attend services. Her active involvement in church life was largely influenced by her Randall family, who nurtured her faith. Taja's love for Jesus reflected her pure heart, and she found joy in singing gospel songs and praying. She had the opportunity to sing with the choir and performed several solos. Throughout her childhood, she attended The United Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic, followed by Sweet Mercy Church & Ministries with her father, and lastly, The Carpenter's House Baltimore. To know Taja was to love her. Taja loved to celebrate any occasion, big or small; if there was a party, she wanted to be a part of it. This enthusiastic spirit was a trait she inherited from her mother. Taja was always the life of the party, bringing joy to everyone she met. She loved to dance and sing, knowing the lyrics to every song, even if she had only heard it once. She never left home without her iPod and earphones, as if they were a permanent part of her. One of her favorite songs was Beyoncé's 'Baby Boy, and she expected everyone to love it just as much as she did. She would often call out, "Sing, 'Baby Boy!" to anyone around, eager to get them to join in. The song had been on repeat since 2004 and was one of the few things that could soothe her and help her fall asleep. If you were to look up the word strong in the dictionary, Taja's picture would be displayed. This young lady's strength was unmatched. Throughout Taja's twenty-eight years of life, she was hospitalized more than forty times battling serious illnesses, including a brave fight against breast cancer in 2023 in which she underwent a double mastectomy and came out victorious in her battle against the disease, Taja's determination and spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her. Despite the hardships she faced, she remained a beacon of strength and hope, leaving a lasting impact on the Lives she touched. Her journey is a testament to her tenacity and will to overcome with whatever she was faced with. Taja formed countless special bonds with family and friends, making it impossible to name them all However, her connections with her brother Jigga, Uncle Tiant, Aunt Adrienne, and Cousins Carmalita (Lee Lee), Gus, and Tiyon stood out. She had a funny way of mimicking each of them-from the squeaky, high-pitched, lip-smacking voice of Lee Lee to the deep baritone of Tiant. Watching her in action with them was always a source of laughter and joy. Taja leaves to cherish her memory: her loving parents. Tiffany Mickey (stepfather, Anthony Wharton Jr.) and Plennis Randall III, (stepmother, Twanetta Randall); brothers, Maurice, Plennis IV (Jigga), Jeremiah, and Azariah Randall; maternal grandmother, Tanya Mickey (Harry); uncles Andre and Tiant, aunts Valeria, Adrienne, Regina, Desiree, Tonya (Maurice), Kenya, Suki, Ericka and Stephanie, along with a host of cousins, friends and relatives Taja was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Stanley Mickey and her paternal grandparents, Plennis Ill and Elizabeth (Betty) Randall.

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TaJanae Dymanique Randall

April 28, 1996 - January 17, 2025