Dr. Athena Robinson Randolph, MD, age 62, departed this life on October 25, 2019. She was born in Taylor, MS, to the late Hughie and Katherine Martin Robinson. She grew up in Milwaukee, WI where she was educated in the Milwaukee County Public School System. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and became a very active youth member at Calvary Baptist Church in Milwaukee. Following graduation from Custer High School she attended Dartmouth College, earning a B. A. Degree in Human Development. It was there that she met her future husband, Tommy Randolph, MD. That union took place on August 11, 1979.
Dr. Randolph earned her medical degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Medicine in 1986, then completed a Pediatric Residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine in 1989. Her professional career began as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine. She served the pediatric needs of Lake City and the surrounding area, initially as a physician at Alliance Medical Practices and in 1999 co-founded Randolph Medical Practices, PA. She was an active staff member of Shands Lake Shore Hospital for nearly 30 years. She was also a mentor and teacher for many aspiring medical professionals.
Dr. Randolph actively served her community as a Board Member of Happy House Child Care Center, Epiphany Catholic School and most recently Florida Gateway College (Past Chair). She also had an active role in the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes and the Red Cross. She served as a local youth athletic team sponsor and National Achiever Society coach. In 2004 she was named the Lake City Women's History Month Woman of the Year.
Dr. Randolph was a faithful and dedicated member of Greater New Bethel AME Church, Live Oak, FL, where she served as a trustee, usher, youth choir director, choir member, finance committee member and on the hospitality committee. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, supporting her family and interacting with her patients.
She is survived by a loving husband, Tommy Randolph, MD, and daughter, Avona Randolph of Lake City, FL; sons, Cory Randolph (Tiffany) of Greensboro, NC and Aaron Randolph (Elizabeth) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Zaryn and Olivia Randolph of Greensboro, NC; sister, Charlotte Hall-Austin of Stockton, CA; brothers, Hughie Robinson (Susan) of Elk Grove, WI, Dennis Robinson and Andre Robinson (Christine) of Milwaukee, WI; aunt, Edith Harrison (Isom) of Stockton, CA; great-aunt, Robertha Martin Simmons of Chicago, IL; a dear mother-in-law, Lucille Randolph of Live Oak, FL; sister-in-law, Angela Randolph of Lake City, FL; brother-in-laws, Bruce Randolph, MD (Mildred) of Memphis, TN and Harrell Randolph (Ernestine) of Live Oak, FL. She also leaves several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends to cherish her memory.
Homecoming services for Dr. Randolph will be held at Greater New Bethel AME Church (524 Lisle Ave., Live Oak, FL) on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at The Howard Center at Florida Gateway College on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Lake City, Florida. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eric A. Brown and Son Funeral Home Inc. 1221 3rd St. SW, Jasper, FL. Committal service will be at the Eastside Cemetery, Live Oak, FL.