Bernstene (Randall) Smith

After a long and well-lived life, Bernstene (Randall) Smith, of Steelton and formerly of Brooklyn, New York, peacefully transitioned to her Heavenly home at the age of 102 following a brief stay at the Osteopathic Hospital.

Born August 13, 1921 in Little River Neck, SC, she was the daughter of the late Ruby and Lula (Vaught) Randall, and although she moved from South Carolina, she enjoyed going back to visit Myrtle Beach.

In addition to her parents, Bernstene was preceded in death by her husband:  Adolph Smith; her son:  Marcellino B. Smith; her  brothers:  Rodie Williams, Paul Randall, and Thomas Eugene Randall; and sisters:  Bessie Bradshaw, Pauline Robinson, Evelyn Barret, and Alberta Edge.

Bernstene worked as a caregiver for hospitals in Chicago prior to meeting her future husband at a dance in Philadelphia.  After they married, they moved to New York while he served in the US Navy.  There, she raised her three children and became a longtime member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Brooklyn, where she faithfully went daily to pray and was a devout Rosarian.  A saved woman, Bernstene dedicated her life to her God and her church.

Following the passing of her son, she moved to the Steelton/Harrisburg area to be closer to her son and daughter.  She became a member of Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Parish, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Steelton, always showing up beautifully dressed, from her hat to her gloves.

She modeled in New York when she was younger, and kept her sense of fashion throughout her life.  Even well into her nineties, she danced, did yoga, and exercised almost every day.  She enjoyed playing dominoes, reading, listening to Gospel music and just being the amazing social butterfly everyone knew and loved.  A protective and strict mother, she instilled in her children the value of love, caring for others, and attending church.  Her family will miss her “zingers” and every time she said “I bet you can’t do this”.

Surviving are her children:  Billy A. Smith (and his wife, Lori), Harrisburg and Brendella L. Watts (and her husband, Melvin), Steelton; her sister:  Katie Collins; her grandchildren:  Melvin Watts, Lydia Smith, Billy Smith, Shiangel Watts, Patience Watts, Gregory White, Samantha Smith, and Rashad Cobb; 8 great grandchildren (and one on the way); 1 great great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am, Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 815 S. 2nd St., Steelton, with the Rev. Steven Arena officiating.  Friends will be received at the church from 10:30 am until 11:15 am.  Masks will be required to attend the service and the family requests that no pictures or videos be taken during the viewing.

Livestream will be available immediately prior to the service by following the link below.

Burial will be held following the service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 4250 Crums Mill Road, Harrisburg, 17112.

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.

Family Acknowledgement

Heartfelt thanks are extended to all who helped ease the heavy burden that we share.  All kindnesses have sustained us, brought us joy, and above all else, the knowledge that true, caring friends are always within reach.  May God’s grace and richest blessings be with you always.

Link for Bernstene Smith's Funeral Mass