Mary Frances (Stallworth) Reynolds

Mary Frances Stallworth Reynolds, a beacon of love and selflessness, departed this world on April 15, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy of nurturing and support that touched all who knew her. Born to Henry and Sally Mae Stallworth on October 25, 1932, in Evergreen, Alabama, but later relocated to Ozark, Alabama with her father and some of her sisters.  Mary Frances was a cherished sister and a dedicated student who believed education was the cornerstone of a fruitful life and the ticket to success.

In a life that spanned nearly a century, Mary Frances embodied the values of kindness, service, and unwavering support. She was the embodiment of the profound impact one soul can have on countless others. A graduate of Ozark, Alabama's high school, she learned early on that knowledge and dedication pave the road to achievement. As she ventured into the world, her love of learning never ceased, and her conviction only grew stronger.

Sometime after high school, she went to Dothan to help one of her sisters. However, during that time, she met a tall man - Willie Paul Reynolds and they started their lives together with Rena and George and chose North Highland Baptist Church as their Church home. Willie Paul asked her what she wanted,  she told him she wanted a nice house, preferably a new one - and thereafter, he found the perfect location located in Lakeview to build a home, and once construction was completed; they moved from Wheat Street in 1960. The home became  a sanctuary for those in need, a gathering place for shared meals, and a source of refuge and rejuvenation for family and friends alike. Their marriage was a journey of shared generosity and quiet assistance, always given without expectation of anything in return.

Mary and Paul had their ups and down but throughout their marriage, there was a common thread of giving, helping, and lifting others quietly, discreetly, and with a determination for success of those they helped. Assistance was given without question, without judgement and often without the expectation of getting anything in return.

Mary Frances's professional journey began at home as a housewife but soon led her to the halls of Stringer Street Elementary School, where as Lunchroom Manager, she served the freshest, heartiest meals, she touched the lives of many through wholesome food and a community-oriented spirit through nourishment for the soul.  Her dedication, combined with the wisdom imparted by Principal Mr. McRae who thought she was the perfect fit for the job, painted her career with strokes of passion and commitment to the well-being of children and teachers alike.

In the early days, the women prepared real food from scratch, unlike what is served today.  During this time, her community engagement was profound, evident in the opportunities she extended to other women, ensuring they had a stable job and a chance at a better life. Whether they were friends, became friends or needed a job to help support themselves and their families. She cared for and supported many teachers and staff members who worked there, some becoming lifelong friends.

She stood alongside Principal Jerry Fain, addressing the individual needs of children, and was instrumental in establishing a Summer Feeding Program within their community. During the early days, if a child would not be able to eat during the weekend or overnight, she would send plates home with them (including copious amounts of schoolhouse rolls, to help them make it through).  She was particularly excited when the Program started - which meant she could provide a meal for them during the summer vacation. Mary believed that no child should go hungry, regardless of the time of year.

She worked on self-education - attending classes, conferences and training earning certifications in her field of work. She strived to be the best she could be.

In her faith and through her dedication to the young members of her church, she forged deep connections. Teaching Sunday School and ensuring that the message of God's love reached the hearts of many. Even when obstacles surfaced, like the end of the bus system, she adapted - learning to drive, so she could transport children to and from church. Her actions were always guided by love.

Mary Frances blossomed into a remarkable woman whose life was defined by an unwavering devotion to her family. A Matriarch in her own right, she reveled in the joys of motherhood, grandmotherhood, and eventually great-grandmotherhood. Her love was tangible, captured in the photos that adorned her refrigerator and filled the pages of countless albums, and scrapbooks containing every note, certificate and programs she could collect - creating a tapestry of memories that she would lovingly revisit.

Her sisters, an integral part of her world, together crafted a tight-knit support system, embodying the strength of familial bonds. Mary Frances held a special place in her heart for her nieces and nephews, lavishing them with the same love and care as though they were her own. North Highland Baptist Church was not just a place of worship, but a spiritual home where she found solace and purpose.

Her contributions extended beyond her work, manifesting in her involvement within the Eastern Star, Missionary Circle No. 4, her leadership in the Girl Scouts of Alabama as a Troop Leader, a Volunteer at Southeast Health Medical Center, and her active role in the Youth Ministry at her beloved church. Mary Frances embodied the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." And indeed, she did, living a life marked by service, compassion, and humility.

Mary did not judge, nor did she cast the first stone. When something happened, she did not ask, “let me know what I can do”? She went ahead and did what she could do. When dealing with people in certain situations she did not focus on the mistake or shortcoming but instead took action on what we can do going forward.

Her philosophy was simple, but mighty. As she believed, "Make God first in your life, love and help your family, help people, learn everything you can about the work you do, be on time and early if possible, eat breakfast everyday even if it’s a small amount, and you can do anything if you can read." She lived by these words, inspiring those around her to embrace their potential. She understood that the real essence of a home lies not its structure, but in the love it shelters and the memories it harbors.

Mary Frances was preceded in death by her parents: Henry and Sally Mae Stallworth; her loving husband: Willie Paul Reynolds, Sr.; siblings: Lucielle Stackhouse, Martha Williams, Lula Mae Moore, Ezzie Lee Beasley, Mable Summeror, Ertha Lee Wilmer, Henry “Mack” Stallworth, and Frank Stallworth; her beloved children: Rena Reynolds-Weatherington, George Andrew Reynolds, Willie Paul Reynolds Jr., Willie Albert Douglas, and son in law: Willie Jerome Ware, as well as close friends just to name a few: Lois Thomas, Willie Ruth Griggs, Ever Lee Jones,  and Otheree Reynolds.

Left to cherish her memory is her sister: Myra Stallworth of New Jersey, her loving  daughter: Rosa Olivia Ware; cherished grandchildren: Dionne Davis of Atlanta, Georgia  ,Mario Reynolds, Gloria (Tom) McGriff, Brian-Paul (Jessica) Ware all of Dothan, Alabama, Kamilah Davis (Roland) Brown of Eads, Tennessee, Samone Dixon, Iris Reynolds (Jay) Gathers of Hampton, Georgia, Isaac (Asia) Ware of Birmingham, Alabama; a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

As we reflect on the extraordinary life of Mary Frances Stallworth Reynolds, a true embodiment of love and service, will forever be remembered not only for what she did but for the indelible impact she left on the hearts of everyone she embraced. Her life's philosophy embraced the tenets of faith, family, and service, making the world around her a more compassionate and joyful place. For she has shown us the extraordinary impact of everyday generosity and kindness. Lao Tzu once said, "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." Mary Frances was the epitome of such kindness, and through her selfless journey, she has woven confidence, profoundness, and boundless love into the fabric of our lives.

However, we realize the heavens have gained what we here on Earth have lost. Yet, her legacy is immortal - for in the hearts and minds of her sister Myra, her daughter Olivia, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and all the lives she has touched, Mary Frances Stallworth Reynolds will forever be an inspiration, a guiding star, and an everlasting testament to the power of love and service. Her light shines on, guiding us toward our best selves, urging us to continue the work she held so dear.

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