Vernon Lee Randall, the son of the late Naomi Mann Randall and William Lee Randall was born on February 20, 1931 and raised in South Norfolk. On Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020, he made his transition to be with the Lord. He was an active member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.
He attended school in South Norfolk through the eighth grade. South Norfolk did not have a high school for minorities consequently students could attend Booker T. Washington or the Catholic School. Vernon attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1949.
In 1949, God smiled on Vernon and he received a full scholarship to attend Elizabeth City Teachers College (State University). With this scholarship, he played football, basketball and baseball for four years. Vernon was named the most outstanding freshman receiving high academic honors. During these years he earned all-conference honors in three positions. The three positions were End (1949-50), Quarterback (1951) and Fullback (1952-53). To this day, this is still a record. He held the position as Captain of the football team during the years of 1952-53. Years later in 1983, he was inducted in the ECSU’s Hall of Fame.
In May 1953, Vernon graduated from Elizabeth City State Teachers College with a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. He was blessed again to be able to continue his education. In May 1954, Vernon received a Master Degree in Supervision and Administration from Case Western Reserve University located in Cleveland, Ohio. Both of these degrees allowed him to pursue his educational endeavors.
Vernon served a two-year stint in the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea. He reached the rank of Sergeant and received an honorable discharge.
Vernon Randall’s educational career began in 1957 under the direction of W. E. Waters (principal at the time). He was a Coach and History teacher at the old I. C. Norcom High School. The school was just renamed I. C. Norcom High School in 1953 in honor of its first supervising principal, Israel Charles Norcom (1856–1916).
On August 26, 1958, Vernon married the love of his life, the former Marlene D. West. Later in 1958, he was transferred to S.H. Clarke Jr. High School as a History Teacher and Guidance Counselor while finding time to run the Cavalier Manor Community pool teaching youths how to swim. He continued to motivate students receiving a promotion to Riddick-Weaver Elementary School to serve as an Assistant Principal in 1965. After two years (1967), he was promoted to Assistant Principal at S.H. Clarke Jr. High School. During the first phase of integration in 1969, he became Assistant Principal at Woodrow Wilson High School. Being an influential educator in the community, Mr. Randall was promoted in 1971 to W. E. Waters Junior High School as Principal. He served as Principal for sixteen years. In 1987, Mr. Randall was named Principal of I. C. Norcom High School and retired in 1991. I. C. Norcom was his Alpha and Omega of his educational career. His greatest “Joy” was when students understood concepts, performed well and succeeded in life. At one time, Vernon and his wife served together in the Cavalier Manor community as principals where they lived.
Vernon was very active in numerous organizations. He was initiated in the Epsilon Nu Lambda Chapter (Portsmouth) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in 1960. He also served as a faithful member of the Portsmouth Chapter of ECSU Alumni, the NAACP-Portsmouth Chapter, Eureka Club, Mules and Driftwoods. He proudly received the Portsmouth’s Administrator of the Year Award during this time.
Vernon was a life-long athlete and scholar. He played on a semi-professional baseball team earning numerous honors. He served as a Golf Marshall at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, Instructor at Safety Town and he was an avid bowler.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Marlene W. Randall; a brother-in-law, Arthur S. Dickens; two special sisters, Brenda Smith and Cynthia Hines; a son, Ricardo C. Randall (Jacqueline); two daughters, Veronica R. Williams (Corey) and Michelle D. Bryant; a special daughter, Danielle Smith Jones (Anthony); three grandchildren, Cordell L. Williams, Jamia C. Randall and Vernon L. Williams and many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Condolences(17)-
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Rodney A Wilson says
April 8, 2020 at 8:03 amOh man, Mr. Randall…he was the first giant I ever saw as a principal but very gentle until he had to drop the hammer on you and he could do it just by looking at you. Not only a great man but a great person. I’ve enjoyed telling some stories about Rock Randall. I remember visiting ESU years ago and seeing his place in the school’s history, it made me proud to say he was one of my Administrators. Mrs Randall, Ricky, Veronica and Michelle I will keep you in my prayers and thank you for sharing him with thousands of Portsmouth public school students. God bless.
Deacon Emeritus, Carolyn Hayes says
April 8, 2020 at 2:07 pmTo: The Randall Family: May you find additional comfort in knowing we share in your loss. May God’s love and promises surround you now and in days ahead..
With our love and prayers,
The Hayes Family of Chesapeake, VA
Mount Zion Baptist Church, Norfolk
Martin & Angela Connelly says
April 8, 2020 at 3:04 pmWe are sorry to hear that our Dear neighbor has passed this past weekend. I enjoyed our conversations with him in the yard since we moved in. He will surely be missed.
Pam Smith Barnard says
April 9, 2020 at 9:07 amRandall family
You are in our prayers. Praying for your strength during this time.
My condolences
William Smith, Pam Smith Barnard and family.
mary Smith says
April 10, 2020 at 12:12 pmMy prayers are with you in this time that God will give you strength.
always remember his big smile and guidance.
may God keep you and know that Mr. Randall is smiling down on you.
Mary Smith & Family
Norris and Patrice Wike says
April 10, 2020 at 1:10 pmDear Mrs. Randall, Michelle and family,
Please know you have our deepest condolences. Mr. Randall was such a warm, caring person with a wonderful sense of humor. He was an inspiration to us personally and publicly. We are glad we had the pleasure of knowing him. May you abound in the comfort of the Lord.
Viking pride! Viking pride! Viking pride!
Lamont Simmons says
April 10, 2020 at 3:16 pm“My condolences”
Yolanda Bell says
April 10, 2020 at 4:17 pmDear Mrs. Randall,
Sorry for your loss, praying for peace and strength. “Earth loss Heaven’s Gain”
donnell a mann sr says
April 10, 2020 at 4:39 pmcondolences to the randall family for the lost of our loved mr.vernon lee rocky randall. donnell a mann sr donnell a mann jr,saudi a m washington,jamal a mann
Susan Beasley says
April 11, 2020 at 7:08 amTo Marlene and Veronica, deepest condolences in your loss.
Patricia Capezio says
April 11, 2020 at 9:46 amDearest Marlene and family, Was so saddened to learn of Vernon’s passing. He was truly an amazing gentleman. I feel blessed to have known him, mainly through working with. you..Portsmouth has lost a exemplary educator and leader. My prayers ,condolences and comforting thoughts to you ,you Rickie,, Ronnie and the entire Randall family
May wonderful memories sustain you during this difficult time..
God bless you always and all ways
Moscow Spencer says
April 11, 2020 at 10:01 amI am so sorry for your lost and our greater lost. Mr. Randall was such a giant among men, who will be greatly missed for what he gave to this community and our lives. I will continue to pray your strength. God Bless and Keep You.
From the Board Members of I.C, Norcom Hall of Fame says
April 11, 2020 at 11:03 amWe are sorry for you and your family . May your memories help your tears bring a smile too. This is a difficult time, but always know you are supported and loved.
Delores Parker says
April 11, 2020 at 12:12 pmMy condolences to you and your family, my prayers are with you. May God continue to strengthen you. Remember he was someone who touched each life. He entered and made a difference in the world.
Love you all,
Delores Parker
Herman A Weaver says
April 15, 2020 at 10:45 amMy deepest sympathy and sorrow to the family. I will truly miss his kind heart and smile. I remember after PAN meetings at New Bethel we would have a conversation as he closed the building and he was the Treasurer for the NAACP for as long as I can remember. Although, an Alpha, he was a Good One! My prayers are with you – RIP
Norma Ragland says
April 15, 2020 at 1:19 pmTo Marlene and family,
My sincere condolences to you.Vernon was an inspiration to so many people. May you rejoice in the memories you have of a man who gave so much to so many. God bless you.
Norma Ragland
LEVERNE JONES says
November 15, 2020 at 3:27 pmLeverne Jones
11/15/20
I will always remember Mr. Randall. He and his wife ran the Cavalier Manor pool each summer when I was a little girl growing up there. My brother, Leo, and I went almost every day, and I remember how Mrs. Randall would check us in at the door and direct us to take a shower before we jumped in the pool. They were strict but nice. We knew we had to follow the safety rules.
Our parents knew we were safe when we were there. Even though I was just a child, I noticed that Mr. Randall looked like a body builder and I had never seen a man who looked like him in person. Those were some good times. You will not be forgotten, Mr. Randall, Rest in Peace.
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