ALTON — Amanda Merles (Tolbert) Randol, age 73, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

She was born on Oct. 21, 1947 in Alton, Illinois.

She was the second daughter born to her parents, Frank and Shirey Inez (Bradley) Tolbert.

Amanda was a quiet and inquisitive child, who loved to read aloud.

She was educated in the Alton public schools and graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work.

She was born and raised in the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth, at 1600 Maupin Avenue in Alton under the leadership of Elder Preston Frazier.

She accepted Christ at a young age and continued as a member until her death.

Her parents, maternal grandparents, Elijah and Mary Ida (Pate) Bradley, and paternal grandparents, J.B. and Eddie Victoria (Wilder) Tolbert, instilled in her a strong faith in God, Christian values, and life skills.

Amanda married Loren E. Randol, and to this union, two sons were born, Darold Scott Randol and Eric Bradley Randol.

In addition to raising her sons, she had a strong influence in the lives of her nieces and nephews, who were often mistaken for her children.

She was employed as a Social Worker for several years with charitable organizations throughout the St. Louis metro area.

She then worked for the State of Illinois as a licensed Child Welfare Specialist.

She ended her career working in the Alton School District as an educator.

Those who remember Amanda will speak of her candid opinions, sharp sense of humor, and love for reading and shopping.

She took pride in teaching etiquette and promoting literacy to any young person she met.

The lessons that she imparted will undoubtedly impact those she touched for generations to come.

She leaves to cherish her two sons, Darold of Alton and Eric of Los Angeles, California; sisters, Shirley M. Ebony (Richard Harang) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Doris A. Tolbert of Alton; brothers, Irving B. Tolbert and Elder Donald (Johndolyn) Tolbert both of Alton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth A. Skinner; and her dear friend, Georgia Ann Shaw.

Walk-Through-Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at Harrison Funeral Chapel in Alton.

COVID restrictions and social distancing enforced.

Guest signatures available at HarrisonFuneralChapel.com.