Martha Jean Reynolds, fondly known as “Buh” to her grandchildren, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020.
Martha Jean was born in Albertville, AL on September 5, 1930 to the late Emily and Lemmie Wilbanks. After graduating from Albertville High School, she received a teaching degree from Jacksonville State University. She married Ralph Reed in 1951. They moved to Arab in 1957, where Ralph founded the Arab Printing Shop and the Arab Tribune. Martha Jean began teaching 9th grade at Union Grove School. In May, 1958, Ralph was killed in an accident on the way home from chaperoning the ninth grade class to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. With the help of Alice and Ewell Reed, Madeline and Guy Jackson, and in later years Ed Reed, Martha Jean continued to help run the Tribune for several years.
She later married J.D. Reynolds Jr. who preceded her in death in 1995. She was an active member of the Arab First United Methodist Church. She was a wonderful cook and shared her love of food with family and friends. She enjoyed many different activities, but her greatest joy was being with family.
She is survived by daughters Linda Ruth Word (Jimmy), Janet Willis (John), Patty Reynolds Norcross (Bob), and son Scott Reynolds (Richi); sister, Sarah Wilbanks Meriwether; six grandchildren, Bryan Word(Holly), Martha Jo Williams (Duke), Kelly Rodgers (Hunter), Emily Word, J.D. Reynolds, III, and Rob Reynolds; eight great grandchildren, Davis, Kaitlyn, and Harrison Word, Ava Reed, Worth, and Poppy Rodgers, Josie and Mary Duke Williams and a special friend and caregiver, Mitzi Marbry. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for immediate family will be held Saturday, April 11 at Arab Memorial Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be George Meriwether III, J. D. Reynolds III, Rob Reynolds, Hunter Rodgers, Worth Rodgers, Duke Williams, Bryan Word and Davis Word.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arab First United Methodist Building Fund, Shepherd’s Cove Hospice of Marshall County, or a charity of your choice.
Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.
