Kansas City two-step teacher and mental health worker Ronell Randolph dies at 52

Ronesha Randolph didn’t have a fashion design degree or industry experience when she decided to start her own clothing line. But what she had was the support of a father.

Ronell Randolph made sure to be the engine of his daughter’s creativity and gave not just financially but emotionally.

“He always told me to go for my dreams. He was very supportive when I launched my clothing line,” says his daughter. “I will miss everything about him. I wasn’t just his daughter, he was my friend. My opinion really mattered to him.

Randolph, a father of three, died Nov. 1, aged 52, in a car accident. While the family is still awaiting the coroner’s report for a cause of death, his daughter believes her father may have suffered a seizure while driving.

Many will remember him as a solid foundation of encouragement. Randolph worked in the mental health field as a direct support specialist for many years, a job close to his heart.

“He was a very compassionate person who loved being around people and loved helping people,” says his daughter, 32. He enjoyed helping people with mental health issues and helping them on their path to recovery, she said. Even though it was a stressful job that the family was trying to get him to walk away from, Randolph’s call was too strong.

Randolph, a Kansas City native and graduate of Central High School, has always maintained close ties to the community. He was known throughout the city for his love of the two-step style of dancing.

According to her daughter, the community a stone’s throw away has lost one of its brightest stars, the party life that ensured everyone had a good time. He was not only a dance lover but was also an instructor.

“He liked to take two steps. He had been doing this for years. He won many two-stage competitions and received high praise around the city. He also loved teaching classes and new people. He would teach at home. He was really well known in that circle,” she says.

As the loss was sudden and unexpected, her family is still shaken.

“We took it rather badly. Nobody saw it coming. It’s difficult because he has always been very attached to his family and it was really important to him. He just wanted to see his grandchildren grow up,” his daughter said.

Randolph’s tough upbringing made him someone who always wanted to be there for his kids, she says. She remembers her many conversations with her father, filled with comfort and inspiration to pursue her dreams.

“He was an awesome dad and a wonderful dad. He was a mentor to young people and people who knew him. He always wanted to be a good person,” she says.

Many people posted messages of condolence and shock.

“The idea of ​​not having long conversations about life, love and relationships anymore. The idea of ​​never dancing with you again. The abundance of positivity that you have spoken about in my life and my business. knew my business would thrive even if I didn’t.

“Ronell Randolph, you were one of the coldest people to ever do that!”

“Even though you are no longer physically there, a part of you still lives in everyone here. Grateful for the time, advice and insights you shared. »

On November 6 at the Pet’s Lounge, the family honored Randolph’s memory with an evening filled with two-steps and remembering the many happy times on the dance floor with a beloved friend and family member.

Other Memories

Ronald Marks Sr.

Ronald Marks Sr., father and youth coach, died on October 28. He was 68 years old.

Marks was born July 17, 1954 in Kansas City, Kansas to Fred Marks Sr. and Ruby Spencer-Marks. Marks was raised in the church from an early age and remained involved for years. He spent his early years getting an education in Kansas City, Kansas Public School District, before graduating from Argentine High School in 1972.

Marks joined the Marine Corps and served the next four years, earning the National Defense Medal and the Marksman Badge. After completing his service in 1975, Marks attended Los Angeles Harbor Junior College in San Pedro, where he earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology.

He married in 1974 to Karen Marshall Marks, who bore him three children, and they spent the next 32 years together.

He began a long career in the night guard business, first for the US Postal Service and later for several companies, such as Truman Medical Center and Wyandotte High School, where he served as the primary night guard for 12 years. He retired in 2021 and had time to relax and focus on his passions, such as coaching.

He has coached many sports teams, such as football, baseball and women’s basketball. This work with young people has made him a highly respected mentor.

Marks was a lifelong sports fan, cheering on the Royals and Chiefs. He watched games with his children and grandchildren and passed on his passion for the sport.

Marks is survived by his ex-wife, Karen Marks; his daughters Rhonda Granger, Talisha Smith and Raweena Marks; his son, Ronald Marks Jr.; sisters Beverly Holmes-Mitchell, Carol Brown, Ruth Easterwood, Alice Spears and Shirley Marks; and three brothers, Arthur Marks, Robert Marks and Phillip Marks. He also leaves several grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Sharri Council

Sharri Board, military veteran and mother, died on October 28. She was 58 years old.

Board was born on September 4, 1964 in Jacksonville, North Carolina to Marshall and Betty Davis. The family moved to Kansas City when she was young, and the children graduated from Hickman Mills High School.

She attended the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. There she acquired a taste for service and education, using her singing talents in the school gospel choir. After earning a bachelor’s degree in a foreign language, she enlisted in the army for the next three years and received military service and the Overseas Ribbon. She achieved the rank of first lieutenant and served as a military police officer.

In 1989 she married Phillip Board. They were married for five years and had two children together.

Board had been involved in the church since he was 7 years old, singing in many gospel choirs and enjoying many genres of music. She was also known for her love of reading and learning new things. She was a polyglot and fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

She is survived by her father, Marshal L. Davis; daughter Ayana D. Board of Directors; sisters Sherry Enola Mena, Sonya Y Barbee, Joselyn M. Willis, Shelley Bradford, Toya J. Davis, and Alexandria T. Caldwell; brother Marshall A. Davis; a friend for life, as well as grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins ​​and friends.