Mother Carrie Reynolds,, Christian Educator and Community Adovocate, was born on July 4, 1919 the youngest of seven to Gabe Mitchell and Annie Waller Mitchell.  She was a lifelong resident of Henry County, on "The Knob."

As a little child, Mama, began serving in the church as a reader for her "PAPA", Rev. Gabe, who Pastored Mount Zion Baptist Church, from which she became a lifelong member.

She was married to George Clarence Reynolds, her brother Nimrod's friend on August 11, 1934.

Believing that everything is possible for those who believe, the visionary young couple set out to acquire a parcel of land, paying $10.00 a month, in preparation for the children they hoped for.  Although children did not come immediatley, the young couple continued to wait on the Lord believing that they would soon be blessed.  God in his faithfulness, gave them a quiver full; 3 boys and 6 girls.  Mother Carrie and Brother Clarence were married for nearly 65 years!

While raising their family, Mama worked a a domestic worker for Martinsville Commissioner Jeff Eggleston.  Although it was not seen as an admirable or prestigious position, Mama was able to continue to educate herself and her children.  Books, magazines, clothing, and many lessons on living peacefully with others were learned and shared.  Mama was later employed at Standard Garments (Jobbers) as a textile worker.

Although Mama was limited by the segregated school system to only an eighth grade formal education, she was a gifted educator.  Her philosophy of early childhood education was way ahead of its time. She firmly believed that all children entering first grade should know their ABC"s, how to write their names, and count to 100 and quote "several" bible passages.  Skill for reading by the first grade was an expectation.

She was never afraid to speak her mind about the inequalities in education in Henry County and touted that "separate" was not equal.  Mama also served at her children's schools, Richard H. Clarke Elementary School and George Washington Carver High School, as President of the PTA.  She worked in conjunction with other parents to acquire new band instruments, uniforms and lights on the school field.

"Study to show yourself approved."  Her work as a Christian Educator extended from Mount Zion Sunday School to the Smith River Baptist Association  Her Bible Quizzes and Spelling Bees are legendary.  Mama was often sought after for speaking and teaching engagements by churches and women's organizations.

Mama was somewhat of a renaissance woman, way ahead of her time. A true Proverbs 31 woman, she considered the field and brought it; planted a garden using her missionary skills to educate other women on how to be a proper wife and mother, and most importantly, a woman of valor.  She not only taught through precept but through example.  Her education may have been limited but her Godly wisdom helped her guide all of her children to achieve a higher education, most at Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC.

Mama held many offices in Mount Zion, the Smith River Baptist Association, the Virginia Baptist State Convention/Women's Missionary and Education Auliliary.  She also received numerous community awards and recognitions including Mother of the Church, two honorary degrees from Virginia Seminary and College, in Lynchburg, VA and Richmond Virginia Seminary in Richmond, VA.  Mama was recognized by the community as "VBSA/WMEA Queen" and Outstanding Community Service by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Martinsville Alumnae Chapter.  She was a frequent and active member of the Lott Carey Missionary Conference.

As the writer recommended, Mama "delighted herself in the enjoyment of life." She enjoyed antiquing at estate and yard sales to add to her many collections of dolls, angels, crystal baskets and books to name a few.  Her love for travel took her from coast to coast and included visits to Mexico, the United Kingdom and Vancouver.  She was an avid sports fan and was often the loudest cheerleader in thecrowd.  Mama was well-known for her masterfully made cakes and delicious home-cooking.  She also enjoyed shopping and wearing stylish hats and shoes.  At age 91 she was still current, innovative and adventurous.

We realized everyday at dinner as we sat on the woooden bench, handcrafted by daddy, enjoying the fried chicken, potatoes, and green beans cooked by mama, that family ties were vital to our parents.  We understood with formal lessons that our parents were set apart, to serve as role models, emphasizing that "BLESSED is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly; but delights in the law of the Lord."  As "Ma Carrie", the community mother, the fruit of her spirit will continue to be carried forth as dew drops on the morning grass.

Mama was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her siblings, Ben, Willie Jane, Profit, Earnest, Helen and Nimrod.

Left to cherish her special memories are her nine children, Lucille (Leander-deceased), Geraldine (George), Patricia (Charlie) George Gable (Linda) Aaron (Beverly), Helen Beatrice, Gwendolyn (Grover), Cassandra (Edward), and Clarence Elijah; 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins her extended families of Mount Zion and Mount Lebanon Baptist Churches, Smith River Baptist Association, Women Missionary Education Auliliary, the Morris-Waller-Mitchell Family, and the hearts of many many friends throughout the community.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Greater International Pentecostal Holiness Church in Martinsville, VA with Rev. Dr. George Gable Reynolds,officiating.  Burial will follow in the Tucker,Taylor, Mitchell, Reynolds Family Cemetery in Ridgeway, VA.

A ministry of service provided by Hines Funeral Services, Inc.