Willa Randolph, 94, of Smithland, TX, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Gray Baptist Church in Gray, TX, officiated by Dr. Roy Davis.
Willa Dean, or “Mamaw” as she was affectionately known by her family, was born in Toro, LA, on December 10, 1930, to William Clay Caldwell and Daisy Estella Speight Caldwell. She grew up in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, and lived “on the hill” in Smithland, TX, for the past 28 years. Every Sunday morning, you could find Willa in a pew at Gray Baptist Church. She loved to quilt and spend her time outside watching her hummingbirds. Mamaw was always the supervisor of activities on the farm. She was absolutely crazy about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At any given time, you could find Mamaw with a baby or a Boston Terrier in her lap.
Willa Dean was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Roma Jean, Pete, Buford, and Maxine. She is survived by her brother Glen. She is also survived by her husband, Huey Randolph of Smithland, with whom she shared 72 beautiful years of marriage. Additionally, she is survived by her sons: Mark Randolph and wife Mary of Smithland, and Dennis Randolph and wife Tammy of Mt. Pleasant, TX; her six grandchildren: Sam Randolph and wife Caitlin, Haley Matherne and husband Drew, Corey Davidson, AJ Randolph and wife Mandi, Lindsay Coburn and husband Michael, and Katelyn Randolph; her nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.