Elsie Mae Randolp Lewis Bottoms accepting the Robe of Achievement, 1989

As part of a large family in West Virginia, Elsie Mae Randolph knew how to shoulder responsibility when she was quite young which in a small way prepared her for the large responsibility she faced when her husband tragically died at 35 after 10 years of marriage leaving her with four children to raise. She supported her family after this with grace all the while earning her Masters degree at Southern Illinois University.

After earning her degree Mae moved her family to Alfred Station, NY where she taught secretarial science at Alfred State College for 23 years. Later she became the department chairman for at least 5 years. During that time she raised her children and put them through college and eventually she remarried after all the children were grown.

Once the family moved to NY Mae was able to participate in the Allegheny Association and took on SDB denominational responsibilities as well. She served 10 years as the Alfred Station church clerk, and was a member and officer of the women’s group, Union Industrial Society. She was also the recording secretary of the Allegheny Association for four years. She was the recording secretary for the Board of Christian Education for 15 years and the president of the board for one year. For several years she was also the SDB General Conference recording secretary.