Viola Gilmore Randle was born in 1924 in Fulshear, Texas. She was an icon and beloved by her community through her love for service. She made history as the first elected Black woman city council member of the city of Fulshear. After 10 years of service, she became mayor with the city’s population of 600.  

Ms. Gilmore was born into a family of sharecroppers. She was one of the first successful, colored business owners in the city called Randle’s P/U Service. She attended various schools including, the Black School on Bois D’Arc Ln, Rosenberg Colored School, and graduated from Simonton Colored School.  

Ms. Randle was heavily involved in her community and served various organizations, including:  

Fulshear/ Simonton Lions Club 

Fulshear Historical Preservation Committee 

Fort Bend County Musuem Committee  

Member of the Fort Bend Heritage Society 

Fort Bend Home Demonstration Club  

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce 

Kendleton Heritage Society 

In 2009, she was honored with the Trailblazer Award by the Houston League of Business and Professional Women. Her legacy will continue to inspire the generations to come.