Flora J (Mickens) Randall

Obituary

Flora Randall, the daughter of the late Annie Lee and Sampson Mickens, was born July 22, 1950, in Smithville, Texas. At the age of four, the family moved from Texas to Thomas County, Georgia. Flora joined Saint-Paul Missionary Church at an early age. She joined Bethel Temple Church in Hampton, Virginia after moving there. She attended South Coolidge Elementary and Magnolia High School, graduating in 1968. While attending Magnolia High Flora was active in numerous school activities, 4H club, band, home economics, the honors society, French club, and the civic club.

Flora’s formal education began at Thomas Technical Institute where she studied Drafting Design. After graduating, Flora accepted a position with Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia.  Once settled into a new state and job, Flora decided to return to college attending Christopher Newport University. After a stellar career with Newport News Shipyard, which later became Northrop Grumman, Flora retired as a Drafting Design Manager in January 2019.

Flora lived a very busy life attending book clubs, the Hampton civic league, church, and traveling. Flora loved to travel and was able to fulfill her dream of traveling to Paris and throughout the U.S. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Flora attended a game with her son, Louis. Flora was known for her thoughtful letters and cards to family and friends. She began a Christmas newsletter years ago and her family and friends began to look forward to the annual edition. This may have sparked her desire to create the Magnolia High School Facebook page, where she kept everyone informed of surrounding activities, birthdays, and announcements. Flora lovingly worked as administrator of the page until her health failed.

Flora leaves to mourn her passing: a loving and devoted son, Louis A. Randall, Jr.; siblings, Susie Carter (New York), Barbara Mickens Williford Ford (who preceded her in death), and Deloris Diggs (Florida); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, classmates, and colleagues; and a wonderful, lifelong friend, Katie Hill-Hamilton.

Flora was preceded in death by her best friend and ex-husband, Jake Hollis. They reunited after many decades apart and were together until he passed away in July 2022. Though their time together was short, they were happy. Time does not compare to quality and joy.