Helen Ruth (Brass) Randell

Today we celebrate the life of Helen Ruth Brass Randell. As a devoted wife, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and cherished friend, Helen was the matriarch of her family. We rejoice, reflect, and praise our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, for allowing her to share her life with us for 84 years. 

Helen Ruth Brass Randell was born on January 7, 1938, in Wisner, Louisiana, to Theodis and Violet V. (Long) Brass Sr. She confessed a hope in Christ at a young age at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Wisner, Louisiana. After graduating from Wisner Colored High School on May 26, 1955, she moved to Joliet, Illinois. She joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church after relocating. 

She married Henry “H.M.” Mercer in 1956 and they were married for twenty-two years. Three children were born to this union: Edward, Annette, and Flora. She married LeRoy “Perch” Randell in 1989. They are the parents of Charonda Randell. 

During her life, she worked at the Joliet ammunition plant and was a waitress at Lettie’s Diner before she retired. 

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of twenty-one years, LeRoy “Perch” Randell; her father, Theodis Brass Sr., mother, Violet Brass; her sisters, Frankie Brass, Sarah McCoy, Shirley Bennett, Leaster Curry, Annie Jackson; and her grandchildren, Chandra Mercer and Edward “Lamar” Mercer. 

Left to cherish her memories are her loving four children: Edward (Janet, deceased) Mercer, Annette (Mark, deceased) Hendrix, Flora Mercer, and Charonda Randell, her sisters: Alice Faye Walker, Alberta Jones, Rebecca Love; her brothers: Theodis Brass Jr., Saul (Edna) Brass, Karry (Angie) Brass, Noel (Donna) Brass; eleven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins. She is also survived by her first husband, Henry “H.M.” Mercer, and a host of friends and extended family.

Helen was affectionally known for being the sweetest lady with the best hugs.

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