Theresa Marie Randall

Theresa Marie Randall, 63 of Havana passed away peacefully on August 27th at the Big Bend Hospice House in Tallahassee after an extended illness.

Theresa aka “Shorty” was born August 29th, 1962, in Cooperstown NY to the parents of Lional and Grace (Fitzgerald) Volkman as an only child. She graduated from New Berlin Central School in 1980 as Salutatorian. She received a regent’s diploma and was a member of both the Society of Distinguished American High School Students and Who’s Who among American High School students. Additionally, she was also a member of the National Honor Society from 1978-1980. She then moved on to finish collage at The University of New York at Morrisville with a 4.0 GPA in Accounting with a minor in Banking and Insurance.

Professional Career: Began at Preferred Mutual Insurance Co. in her hometown of New Berlin NY in 1984 where she was an accounting analyst. Then in July of 1986, she transitioned to Statistical Coordinator until June of 1989. In July of 1989 she became an Information Analyst and Supervisor of the Statistical Services Department until September of 1994. At this time, Theresa then relocated to Tallahassee Florida where she finished out her career with The Florida Department of Insurance Regulation. She had various positions but the longest and most recent was as the Workers Compensation Administrator CPCU, ARM, PIR, NAIC, AICPCU. During her tenure, she grabbed some accolades along the way, such as The Commissioner’s Certificate of Excellence – Superior Leadership, The Commissioner’s Award for Sustained Superior Achievement and The Davis productivity - Certificate of Commendation.

Theresa loved to spend time with her husband, friends, and family. She enjoyed good conversation and company. As the years went on, she just enjoyed being home, gardening, and especially loved yarn/stitch related activities such as knitting, crocheting, latch hook, punch needle, cross-stitch, and embroidery. She had to have those hands engaged to satisfy her fidget need! Additionally, she really had a passion for the color purple. She was always interested in ways she could incorporate more of that into her life through decorating, décor, and fashion.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husband Gary Randall, her parents and her two uncles David and Bill Fitzgerald. She is survived by her two sons Justin and Jarred Smith of New Berlin, NY. Along with grandchildren Natalie, Daren, Claire, and Caleigh Smith also of NY. Stepson Mark Randall & Step grandson Kensey of Lynn Haven Fl.

Memorial service to be held at Faith Funeral Home, located at 6972 FL/GA Highway, Havana on October 10th at 12 Noon. Food will be provided. Theresa’s ashes will be spread at St. George Island at a later date per her wishes.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Big Bend Hospice House and their outstanding staff. In lieu of flowers or donations in Theresa’s memory, please make them out to Big Bend Hospice of Tallahassee.

A beautiful & stubborn soul that was loved and will be missed by all that knew her. A star that shined brighter than she realized! May she now rest easy in the house of the Lord!