Mrs. Haroldine Ione Reynolds
formerly of Lowell, active at First Church; 97
Mrs. Haroldine Ione (Deleon) Reynolds "Mama" was delivered into the hand of our Lord and Savior on
September 20, 2008. She was "only" 97 years old, as she was fond of saying.
She was born on July 13, 1911 in Kingston, Jamaica, the third of five
children born to the late Harold and Ethel Deleon. Haroldine was raised by her Aunt, Agnes Emily Wilson "Nennie", whom she adored.
In 1934, Haroldine married Herman Reynolds and together they had nine children, Cynthia Rowman, Gwyneth Reid (deceased), Beulah Reynolds
(deceased), Dennis Reynolds, Lorna Munroe, Pauline Rangulong, Carly Maturah, Dulcie Mills, and Olga Jackson (deceased). Herman and Haroldine always had an open door which welcomed anyone who needed a loving family. There was always room at the table and in their home for one more. With this as their motto, they helped raise many other children as their own.
Haroldine was widowed in 1978 with the passing of her beloved husband, Herman, but lived to see five
generations of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren. She believed that she helped to "replenish the earth", and would seize any opportunity to share this information with
others, even unsuspecting strangers. At last count, Haroldine is survived by 38 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
In 1973, Haroldine migrated from Jamaica to Lowell, Massachusetts, where she worked at the former, Mobil Chemical Company. She later retired from Mobil, but continued to work as a community volunteer with the Senior Center and the Salvation Army. During this time, Haroldine often cared for the elderly neighbors, many of whom were younger than she was. She had boundless energy, a profound sense of humor, and a strong
compassion to help those in need. In addition, she served on several local boards and was often
recognized for her service to the community. Haroldine later relocated to Florida to be closer to her family.
A devout Christian, Haroldine demonstrated servant leadership in her love for Christ, her family, friends, and the community. She was a member of St. Michael's Church in Jamaica and The First Church of the Nazarene in Lowell, where she sang in the choir for many years. Most recently, she attended the Hollywood Church of the Nazarene, Hollywood, FL. She was a deeply spiritual and praised the Lord through the daily study of His Word. Sharing her testimony of God's
sustaining love through all her trails, tribulations, joys, and celebrations, was an inspiration to all.
Having lived nearly a century, Haroldine had many words of wisdom to share, which will be cherished and passed on through future generations. Her legacy is truly timeless and she will be missed by all. Gone, but not forgotten.
REYNOLDS Died in Florida, September 20, 2008, Mrs. Haroldine (Deleon) Reynolds "Mama", formerly of Lowell, MA, aged 97 years. Friends will be received at the MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME, 122 Princeton Blvd. at Chester and Harvard Sts. on Sunday from 4-8 P.M. Funeral Service on Monday at 10 A.M. at the 1st Church of the Nazarene, 1195 Varnum Ave. Lowell. Friends
respectfully invited. Interment in Edson Cemetery. Funeral Director Walter F. Bayliss, Jr.
www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.comPublished by Lowell Sun on Sep. 27, 2008.