Dorothy Carmella Randall

Statistics say it was a high of 59 degrees and precipitation free on Sunday, December 1, 1946. That’s when Hilton Ernest and Elizabeth Davidson Randall welcomed baby boomer DOROTHY CARMELLA home from City Hospital. The family resided in Turner Station, a very close-knit African American community, until moving to Baltimore City in 1964. As a young child, Carmella (which is the name the family chose) was a chubby little happy kid who was outgoing,inquisitive, friendly, and always involved in activities in church and school. Dorothy was educated in Baltimore County Public Schools, which were segregated at the time. She benefited from the care and commitment of the most highly qualified African American teachers, counselors and administrators. She graduated from Sollers Point Senior High School in 1964. Carmella decided to be called Dorothy when she went to Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina because too many people couldn’t or wouldn’t pronounce the future English teacher’s middle name correctly. Attending Bennett in September 1964 and graduating in June 1968, she was proud to be a Bennett Belle and was active in the Bennett College Alumni Association. She chose to become an educator for a career and was dedicated to the profession; she loved teaching. Throughout her life, Dorothy was always involved in the leadership activities and requirements of her career, church and community. As an educator at Garrison Middle School from September 1968 to June 2009, she served as Department Chair, Acting Assistant Principal, Middle School Liaison, and English Department Head. She also briefly served as Staff Development Trainer for the Baltimore City Public School System. A favorite saying she often referenced “A teacher, regardless of other positions, is always a teacher.” One thought that pervaded the forefront of Dorothy’s experience and governed her work ethic throughout her career was, “To teach is to touch lives forever.” As a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church since 1964, Dorothy held almost every office available. She loved working in the church and was an active member of the United Methodist Women, (now referred to as United Women of Faith) since 1970. Dorothy served as Chairlady of the Membership Care Ministry which she led for the last 2 years. She warmly welcomed each new congregant until she was no longer able to attend church. Dorothy was known to most for her cheerful and gentle, but stern demeanor. She was always determined to complete a task and often tried to involve those around her, who may not have normally been asked to help. Outside of church and school, Dorothy enjoyed working on puzzles and board games, listening to music (jazz and old school) and traveling (which for the last fifteen years meant mostly cruising at least once a year with her longtime, loving friend, Jimmy). She became a member of Zeta Phi Beta in 1989 and had been very active for several years. Even after becoming inactive with sorority events, she maintained a very close sisterly love with several Zeta Sorors. Dorothy thoroughly enjoyed occasional visits to casinos, hosting gatherings, such as crab feasts,cookouts and Christmas feasts, and “conversing” with family and friends. Dorothy found out on June 3, 2024 that the severe pain in her belly was stage four pancreatic cancer. She responded so well to the chemo that she was able to spread much joy and engage in all that brought her joy as well. She passed away peacefully at 5:22 am on February 3rd. Dorothy was predeceased by her father, Hilton; mother, Elizabeth; two brothers, Hilton Jr. and David; sister, Gwendolyn; and grand niece, Shardae. She leaves to celebrate her life: sister, Julia Hardison (Larry); nieces, Wendy Randall and Danene Vassell (Oliver); nephews, David Jr. and Damon; grand nephews, David 3rd and NeKhi; one great-grand niece, Jayla; three great-grand nephews, Malachi, Zachariah and Daivion; sister-in-law, Fabienne Randall; longtime loving and devoted friend, James Lloyd; goddaughter, Cicely Jones (Mike); “adopted” daughter, Tracy Green (Kevin); two BFFs, Michelle Corbett (Myles) and Sylvia Dickerson; three “oldies but goodies”, Bessie Franklin, Rose Baxter and Juanita Brooks; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Dorothy Carmella Randall

December 1, 1946 - February 3, 2026