Raj Kaur Randhawa

Mrs. Rajkumari Kaur Randhawa KIAWAH ISLAND - 

It is with great sorrow that we announce Rajkumari (Raj) Kaur Randhawa passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, surrounded by family. She was a loving family woman, a trailblazer in business, a charitable community member, and a faithful servant to God. 

Born on August 16, 1936, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, Mrs. Randhawa was married to the love of her life, Dr. Ajit Singh Randhawa. She earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Delhi University and was a concert violinist.

After Ajit received his Doctorate in Vancouver, they moved to the United States, where they made this country and South Carolina home. As they settled in Bamberg, SC, Mrs. Randhawa earned her Masters degree in education and taught 6th grade social studies at Bamberg-Ehrhardt Middle School. During her tenure, she loved teaching her students about the world. She initiated an International Day at BE Middle School to educate students about countries, their arts, food, and culture. Ultimately, this event evolved into The International Festival to further educate the public for five consecutive years, where artists, chefs and performers from all over the world would unite for an evening of cultural education and expression.

Missing India, Mrs. Randhawa began selling Indian gifts out of her home. In May 1976, in Bamberg, SC, she founded Exotica International, Inc. This business would grow into a thriving upscale apparel company with a national clientele. 

Mrs. Randhawa, along with her husband, led the company for 36 years. As a small business owner, she received numerous awards and accolades for her professional and personal contributions. She was the recipient of the SBA’s Small Business of the Year Award. She was named the SC 2001 Woman of the Year and awarded the Lion’s International Leadership Award. She was highlighted for her awards in and on the cover of the 2002 Greater Columbia Business Monthly. She contributed her time toward Leadership programs for Columbia College and served others through numerous philanthropic activities. Her contributions supported victims of Hurricane Hugo, Cheese and Cracker Box in Bamberg, Mission Lexington (LICS), the Cancer Society, Lexington Hospital Children’s Center, Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, the Rotary Club of Orangeburg, the Salvation Army, Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter, and various churches. 

She was a proud member of the Sikh community and was a founding member of Gurdwara Nanaksar in Columbia, SC, where she served as Past President and member of the Executive Board. Her commitment to community service has seen this temple and congregation flourish. She will be remembered by sangat for her Sewa and dedication to Gurdwara. 

She passed on July 4th, the 249th birthday of the United States. She told sweet stories of her native country of India which raised her and loved this country and all it gave to her and her family over the last 50 years. She was a pillar of strength, courage, determination, love, and faith for her family. 

Mrs. Randhawa was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Ajit, for 63 years. Her legacy includes four children: Mitti Randhawa (Sonya), Simran Preet Singh, Nikki Randhawa Haley (Michael), Gogi Randhawa (Amber) and nephew, Mandeep Singh Randhawa (Manpreet). She was blessed with eight grandchildren: Hunter Randhawa (Jennifer), Alyssa Randhawa (Ben), Rena Haley Jackson (Josh), Nalin Haley, Sajan Singh, Krishan Singh, Charanjit Randhawa and Abigail Raj Randhawa. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Arie, Ivery, Naraya Mae and Luka. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home-Northeast, 4219 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia, SC, followed by a prayer service at the Sikh Temple, Gurdwara Nanaksar, 11419 Broad River Road, Chapin, SC. Donations or offerings can be made in her honor to the Sikh Religious Society of South Carolina, c/o McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.