Randolph Edmonds

Randolph Edmonds, 70, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home, Saturday, March 28, 2020.

Randolph (Randy) Edmonds was born April 19, 1949 to Randolph Junius Edmonds and Mildred Beatrice Edmonds. In the Mid 60’s Randy, his parents and his two sisters Helen (deceased) and Janelle Edmonds moved from New Jersey to what would be his long standing home in Albuquerque New Mexico. In 1974 the Edmonds Family welcomed two additional siblings for Randy. Darcy Edmonds (deceased) and Diane Edmonds (Lewis). Randy graduated from Del Norte High School in 1967, the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science in 1971 and the University of Oklahoma with a Master’s Degree in History in 1975. Randy went on to have an almost 30 year career as a librarian and teacher within Albuquerque Public Schools. Outside of his relationship with God and his Family, teaching was the love of his life.

On July 9, 1978, he married his former wife Patricia Ann Edmonds. Three years later they both welcomed a baby boy into their family on February 3, 1981. Though Randy was a humble man he could not help but name that baby Randy as well. 

Randy was a consummate teacher and history buff. He loved watching westerns and eating lemon meringue pie and salmon. He spent the majority of his life in support of the 7th Day Adventist church and served as a Sabbath School Teacher, Decon and Elder. In his later years, it was his great joy to be a praise team member. He loved music and would often ask anyone who would listen to sing him an uplifting tune. 

Randy will always be remembered as a man who greeted any stranger he met with an introduction and smile. He was always willing to make a new friend and wanted nothing more than to spend a moment listening to a burden and sharing a word of wise advice and a prayer. He loved people more than any man many of us have ever met and the love he sent out into the world was returned to him by everyone he encountered.

Randy is survived by his son, Randolph Anthony Edmonds III; his two sisters, Janelle Edmonds and Diane Lewis; his Nephew C.J. Lewis; and his former wife, Patricia Ann Edmonds.

Randy will be deeply missed, but his legacy for gentle courage, compassion and grace will live on in us all.