Celebrating the Life of Aretha Lillian McReynolds

May 4, 1934 – September 18, 2026

Aretha Lillian McReynolds was born on May 4, 1934, in Bay Minette, Alabama, to the late John and Mollie Cox. On Friday, September 18, 2026, at the age of 92, Aretha peacefully transitioned from this earthly life.

Aretha was blessed with more than nine decades of life – a journey rooted in faith, family, service, and caring for others. Her legacy cannot be measured simply by the number of years she lived, but by the people she loved, the lives she touched, and the community she helped nurture.

Aretha loved the Lord and faithfully attended Stone’s Deliverance Temple for more than 40 years. Her faith was an important part of her life and remained a source of strength throughout the years. Her church became an extended family and a place of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Most importantly, Aretha demonstrated her faith through the way she lived and the way she cared for others.

In her earlier years, Aretha regularly visited nursing homes, taking a special interest in the well-being of elderly residents. She wanted to make sure they were being properly cared for, treated with dignity, and shown the respect they deserved. Her compassion did not go unnoticed. Aretha received commendations for the love, concern, and dedication she showed to the elderly.

That same caring spirit extended throughout her neighborhood and especially to its children.

Aretha was affectionately known as “Grandma” by many. She was, in every sense of the words, the Village Keeper.

Her love reached far beyond her own children and grandchildren. Aretha opened her heart and her home to neighborhood children and to anyone who needed a helping hand. She fed them, took them to church, disciplined them when necessary, encouraged them, and gave them a place where they could feel safe, protected, and loved.

To Aretha, you did not have to be related by blood to be family. If a child needed a meal, there was a place at her table. If someone needed guidance, she offered it. If someone needed a place to belong, her door was open.

Aretha did not simply live in her community – she helped raise it. She helped raise a village, and the village lovingly called her “Grandma.”

Aretha took great pride in her home on Euclid Avenue, near the Akron Zoo. She was well known by members of the zoo staff and shared their desire to keep the surrounding area beautiful and welcoming.

Her home became known for its beautiful flowers, colorful gardens, and carefully maintained landscape. As people traveled along Euclid Avenue on their way to the Akron Zoo, many noticed the beauty surrounding her home. Some would even stop to compliment Aretha on her flowers and gardens.

Her dedication to beautifying her home and neighborhood received wider recognition when Aretha and her home were featured in the Akron Beacon Journal for her beautiful gardens and flowers. A video clip of the feature can still be found on YouTube, preserving a special glimpse of the beauty she created.

Her flowers were more than decoration. They reflected something deeper about the woman she was. Whether she was tending to a garden, looking out for an elderly person, or opening her home to a child, Aretha had a gift for nurturing, caring, and helping things grow.

She cared for people. She cared for her home. She cared for her neighborhood. She cared for her village.

Aretha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elmer McReynolds; her parents, John and Mollie Cox; her son, Charles McReynolds; her daughter, Glenda Noel; her brothers, Clarence Cox and John C. Cox Jr.; and her sister, Marietta Anderson.

Aretha leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Janice Davis and Cathy McReynolds; her special daughter, Shone Jackson; her sons, Jeremy McReynolds, Darytaun Ellis, and Wayne McReynolds (Onetha); her brother, Elbert “Bo-Pete” Cox; and her grandchildren, Shavaune Davis, Brandon Davis, Christian Gladman, Jermaine Noel, Wayne McReynolds Jr. (Jolene), Quinton McReynolds, Myriah Spencer, Naomi McReynolds, Jelaina McReynolds, Jeremy McReynolds Jr., JaNaysia McReynolds, and Jermani “Sissy” McReynolds.

Aretha was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, who will carry her love and legacy forward for generations to come.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her special sister-in-law, Cecilia Cox, and special friends who held a meaningful place in her life: Alonzo Williams, Rene McCants, Dortha Jackson, Wanda Ngolo, Gregory Ellis, and Terry Lee. Aretha also leaves behind extended family, her church family, friends, neighbors, and the many people who were blessed to experience her kindness, generosity, guidance, and love.

Aretha’s earthly journey has ended, but the village she helped build remains.

Her beautiful flowers will be remembered. Her open door will be remembered. The meals she shared will be remembered. The children she helped raise will be remembered. The elderly people she looked after will be remembered. Her faith will be remembered. And her love will be remembered.

Her legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and the countless other lives she touched. There will always be those who can look back upon their lives and say:

While Aretha’s presence will be deeply missed here on earth, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Heavenly Father. Her life was a testament to faith, love, service, and caring for others. Though she has left this earthly home, the love she gave, the seeds she planted, and the lives she touched will remain for generations to come.

Rest well, Grandma – the Village Keeper. Your work here is done.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21

Well done, Aretha. Well done.