MARY LEE RANDOLPH, 81, of Chester, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her sleep at 1:25 am, Monday, August, 17, 2026 at Three Springs Senior Living and Rehabilitation, Chester, Illinois.
She was born to the late David Evert and Ruby (nee Crocker) Kent on January 8, 1945 in Chester, Illinois.
Mary’s journey through life was not an easy one. She knew more than her share of heartache, loss, struggle and sacrifice. There were burdens she carried that many people never saw and hardships that could have easily broken her spirit. But Mary had known Jesus from a young age, and her faith became the foundation she leaned on throughout her life. When life was heavy, she found strength in Him to keep going. The difficult chapters of her life were part of her story, but they never defined her. Her faith, strength, her love for her family and her determination to keep moving forward did. Mary was the mother of seven children, and from that young age forward, being a mother became one of the greatest and most enduring parts of her life. She worked hard, raised her children and carried the responsibility of providing for her family through some of life’s most difficult seasons. The road was not always easy, but Mary kept moving forward, doing what needed to be done and giving what she had to the seven children she called her own.
Much of Mary’s working life was spent in a kitchen. She cooked in several restaurants throughout the Chester area, feeding countless people over the years. She eventually worked at Al’s in McBride, Missouri, where she finished her working years before retiring. Mary loved music, and like most Randolphs, if there was good music playing, there was a pretty good chance you would find her on the dance floor. Music was simply a part of who she was. Two voices were almost like member of the family in Mary’s home, Elvis Presley and Conway Twitty. Their music filled the house, and Mary loved them both so much that when they passed away, she mourned them almost as though she had lost members of the family. Elvis held an especially unique place in Mary’s story. Mary entered this world on January 8, 1945, exactly ten years to the day after Elvis was born. Eighty one years later, Mary peacefully slipped away in the early morning hours of August 17, 2026, just hours after the 49th anniversary of Elvis’ passing. For a woman who loved Elvis for nearly a lifetime, there is something beautifully fitting about the way those dates became intertwined with her story. Music wasn’t the only thing Mary could get passionate about. Anyone who knew her knew she loved her St. Louis Cardinals and faithfully cheered for the Dallas Cowboys. Even though some of her family supported the Steelers she still knew who the better team was. Mary also had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. She joins Pixie, Ash, Petie and Bryan in heaven. Old Pete is still hanging in there and all have a special place in her heart.
Mary’s life cannot be measured simply by the difficult things she endured. It is measured in seven children, generations of grandchildren and great grandchildren, cherished friendships, years of hard work, meals prepared, holidays shared, music played, dances danced, animals loved, memories made and a family that exists because she did. After a lifetime of working, providing, loving, sacrificing, enduring and carrying burdens that were sometimes incredibly heavy, Mary can finally lay those burdens down and rest. The Jesus she leaned on for strength throughout her life has called her home and now she walks with Him in peace.
Survivors:
5 Children:
David Allen Randolph Ellis Grove, IL
Lisa Marie Randolph Murphysboro, IL
Sharon (David) Cross Chester, IL
Laverne Allan Randolph St. Mary, MO
Rhonda (George) Lagois St. Mary, MO
8 Grandchildren:
Lindsey Cross, David (Brittany) Cross, Jr., Kenneth Handsbury, Dylan Green (Gracie), Caitlin Boelling, Beckie Boelling, Joshua Randolph and Jessica (Richard) Jefford
19 Great Grandchildren
1 Great-Great Granddaughter
Several Nieces and Many Dear Friends
Preceded in Death by: Parents, Husband, 2 Sons – Donald Dean and Danny Lee “Rooster” Randolph, Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, 1 Brother – Kenneth Kent and Uncle and Aunt – Henry and Geraldine Johnson
Funeral Service:
11:00 am, Friday, August 21, 2026
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois
Officiating:
Pastor Kenneth Handsbury
Interment:
Evergreen Cemetery
Chester, Illinois
Visitation:
Thursday – 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday – 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois
Memorials:
Family Choice