Recently, Mineola lost one of its finest - Shirley Randall. An outstanding educator: a most kind, caring and giving woman to everyone she met. I was most fortunate to have known Shirley for about 23 years - she was my children's first grade teacher at Jackson Avenue Elementary School - a teacher to me as well.

I feel that everyone remembers their first grade teacher - and as a parent, remembers their children's first grade teacher. This is the person who sets the base of one's education - teaches the child to read, write, and do arithmetic. Shirley Randall took this recipe and gave so much more to all of her students and their parents! Her encouragement, praise, tender stroking, and constant enthusiasm (which was contagious!) all provided to her first-graders and their parents an arena where each felt important. I shall never forget on my first back-to-school night with her when she stated to the room filled with parents "I find it so much easier and natural to speak with your children - tonight I am nervous." How honest and open she was. Yet, as the night went on, we became magnets of Mrs. Randall - she captivated us with her style, she entertained us with her wit, and impressed us with her knowledge of children. We knew our children were in the very best of hands - hers!

It did not stop when my children moved forward through the grades. Shirley would write them notes congratulating them upon their accomplishments and pursuits; sometimes, she would even call. When we heard she was going to retire, we could not believe it - the faces of Jackson Avenue and future first-graders would never be the same.

However, Shirley did not seem to see it this way. She was most modest, quiet, and humble about herself. And, she had the love of her life, Kenneth Randall to now fully enjoy time with - in addition to her other interests. Thanks to Mrs. Randall, I have become a Literacy Volunteer of America. Her dedication to helping others - whether through her church or other organizations - has been a model for many.

I am also a teacher. When I would speak with Shirley we would share ideas, concerns, and stories. I can never forget when she told me that she would rise very early in the morning to continue doing her work and planning - I was so impressed and never thought teachers did that. She was also one of the last teachers to leave the building in the afternoon - everything had to be 'just right' for her children. For this is how Shirley viewed her students - they were her children - and they deserved the very best! They certainly received this from her! And then Ken would drive her home.

The last time I saw Shirley was last summer. She had that sparkle in her eyes and engaged me in clever conversation. We were to get together - another former parent and our daughters for brunch on a Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, this never happened. This is part of the reason I share my words.

When I told my children of Mrs. Randall's passing - how many times did she say to me, "Please, call me Shirley!" - they were shocked. My son shared a story I was never aware of. He said "I remember there were two times when she blasted me." Mrs. Randall never blasted anyone - so I asked him to explain. He went on to say that he did not know the alphabet song - he made sure he knew it the next day! The second time remains a mystery - one I may uncover one day. However, I shall make sure my grandchildren know the song. Thank you, Mrs. Randall - "Shirley" - for teaching all of us.