The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom, your days will be many, and years will be added to your life" (Proverbs 9: 10-11).
Lessie Pearl Reynolds departed this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center at the age of 87.

Lessie's earthly journey began on July 1, 1937, where she was born the 13th of 14 children to the late Aubrey and Evelyn Hopkins Reynolds in Mica, Virginia.  She was educated in Caroline County Public Schools.  She graduated from Union High School on June 19, 1944.  She furthered her education in Public Speaking at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC).  She was employed as a Medical Contact Representative at the Naval Medical Center, Quantico, Virginia where she retired with 25 years of service.  She also worked at H&R Block for many years.
Lessie joined Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mica, Virginia at an early age.  Bethlehem Baptist Church transitioned to Spotsylvania, Virginia where Lessie's membership continued.  She held the office of church clerk for over 35 years.  Lessie was a member of the Usher's Ministry where she served as president for many years.  She attended every Sunday until her health began to fail.

Lessie P. Reynolds, as most people knew her.  To her family she was Babysis, Aunt Lessie, or GodMama.  Whatever she was called it meant "someone special". Babysis, as she was called by her siblings, was the baby girl and she was the boss of them all.  She would tell them what to do and what not to do and they listened to what she had to say.  They knew she would never steer them wrong.  She always gave advice, and they always asked for her opinion.  If you would hear her family engage in conversation, you would hear them say, "Let's ask Babysis."  They valued her opinion.

Lessie was a Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  Crowned Queen for the Spotsylvania Branch of the NAACP for several years.  She was also crowned Queen for the State Conference of the NAACP.  Life Member of Welcome Chapter #129, Order of Eastern Star (OES), Prince Hall Affiliated (P.H.A), Bowling Green, Virginia and Past Matron for three years.  Grand District Deputy Organizer, Honorary Grand Worthy Matron, and Grand Lecturer, Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star of Virginia, P.H.A.  Charter Member of Alwina Court #6, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, P.H.A., Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Life Member of Shadrack Jackson Assembly #156, Order of the Golden Circle, Alexandria, Virginia.  She was also a member of the Board of Directors, Mt. Lawn Cemetery Association.
Lessie was preceded in death by her parents Aubrey and Evelyn Reynolds, her siblings, five (5) brothers, Baby Reynolds, Wilson, Bernard, Aubrey, and Charles, Sr, seven (7) sisters, Luberty, Ada, Dorothy, Carrie, Gladys, Helen, and Mary, five (5) brothers-in-law, and three (3) sisters-in-law.

Lessie leaves to cherish her memories her goddaughter, Charity E. Baker-Deane, her godson, Walter L. Baker, Jr., her other "son and daughter" Reverend William Fortune and First Lady Jerri Fortune, one sister-in-law, Gloria Reynolds, special nephews, as she called them, Walter L. Baker, Sr., Charles Reynolds, Jr., Wade Reynolds, and Ward Graves.  A host of nieces and nephews, other family members, friends and caregiver Mrs. Susie Bell.

Aunt Lessie's favorite scripture Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thy own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday August 03, 2024, at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 04, 2024, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 4700 Massaponax Church Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in Mt. Lawn Cemetery, 9327 Woodford Road, Woodford, Virginia 22580