Norma Gene Reynolds

Norma Gene Reynolds, a long-time resident of Pecos, Texas, went to be with the Lord on November 24, 2010. She had been battling pancreatic cancer. Norma Gene was born on May 23, 1925, in Walker's Creek, Arkansas, to Audie and Berg Whitehead. On August 4, 1942, at the age of 17, Norma Gene married Elvia Lester Reynolds, Jr., in Texarkana, Arkansas. Following Elvia's return from the war, the couple moved to Abilene, Texas, and St. Louis, Missouri as he completed college and then dental school. A devoted wife and mother, Norma Gene worked in various low-paying jobs in the early years of their marriage to help make ends meet while Elvia finished school. In 1953, Norma Gene moved with Elvia and the couple's two small children to Pecos, Texas, where Elvia opened his private dental practice. Norma Gene found a loving home and community in Pecos, where her family grew with the birth of their third child. An active member of the 4th and Bois d'Arc church of Christ, Norma Gene served on various committees. In 1977, Norma Gene further 3expanded her service to the community by co-owning and opening the children's clothing store "Norma Jean's," where she delighted in interacting with customers, picking out apparel for the many children in Pecos, and even bringing in her grandchildren as clothing models. Norma Gene bought out the store's co-owner Jeannene Tudor, in 1991 and maintained the business until retiring 10 years later. An avid Pecos socialite, Norma Gene loved being around people. She was actively involved in three Bridge clubs and had a sharp mind for strategy-based games. She attended functions at the Pecos Senior Center for over 20 years and especially enjoyed the facility's annual Thanksgiving luncheon. She remained a dedicated wife for 61 years, until the Lord called her husband Elvia home in 2003. Norma Gene is survived by three children and their spouses: Gayle Reynolds Britt (Ernest), Danny Lester Reynolds (Gwenda), and Randall Webb Reynolds (Lisa); eight grandchildren, Kelvia Reynolds Smith, Kirsten Britt Thomas, Gabriella Reynolds McKittrick, Jessica Britt Jondle, Randall Reynolds, Jr., Rebecca Reynolds Contreras, Amie Reynolds, and Alyson Reynolds; and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the 4th and Bois d'Arc Church of Christ, 1321 W. 4th St., Pecos, Texas. The graveside service and burial will be at Cedar Creek Cemetery in Jerusalem, Arkansas on Wednesday, December 1, at 10:00 a.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the 4th and Bois d'Arc Church of Christ or to the American Cancer Society.