Dr. Juanita Williams Reynolds was born in Savannah, Georgia, to Birdie Lewis “Buddy” Williams and Naomi Margarete Williams. From the very beginning, she was set apart: brilliant, bold, and determined. She began reading by the age of three and never stopped seeking knowledge.

At age 14, after the loss of her mother, she was lovingly raised by her devoted aunts Della, Kitty, and Helen who helped mold the grace and resilience that defined her life.

She joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church at a young age and committed her life to faith, family, justice, and purpose. At just 15 years old, she joined the NAACP and became active in the Civil Rights Movement, arrested 15 times for her courage and conviction. Her father supported her unfailingly until the fifteenth arrest, when he finally said, “That’s it, I’m not bailing you out again.” But by then, her stand had already changed lives.

In 1962, she enrolled at Pine Forge Institute (now Pine Forge Academy), a place she later described as “the best years of my life.” It was there that she met the love of her life, John R. Reynolds Jr. Their bond was immediate, a connection rooted in music, faith, and mutual admiration. They married on November 14,1965 and shared nearly 60 years of life, love, and legacy.

Professionally, Dr. Reynolds served with excellence as Director of Human Resources for Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff and later as Vice President of Human Resources at Scholarship. Even after retirement, her passion for growth never dimmed. She returned to school and earned her Ph.D., and from that point forward, she was proudly and affectionately known as “Doc.”

She gave back through service on numerous boards including Charter Schools, Ramah Jr. Academy, Murtis Taylor Foundation, and the Teen Father Program Board of Directors. She mentored, advocated, and opened doors for young people and professionals throughout her life.

A gifted musician, she sang with Pine Forge Institute Choir, Special Edition, ASL Sign Choir and the David Thomas Chorale, played for Voices Unlimited, and directed and played piano for both the Men’s Choir and the Sanctuary Choir. She was a founding member of The Reynolds Singers, who recorded the album Blessed Assurance. Her dedication to music was unmatched. She often flew back into town from work and went straight to choir rehearsal because ministry always came first.

She was also a published author. In her book “The Girl Buddy Raised: Words That Cut Like a Knife,” she reflected on her life with honesty, wit, faith, and truth. In her own words:

 “The way you begin your life is inconsequential; it is how you conclude it that dictates your legacy.”

And her legacy is powerful, far-reaching, and unforgettable.

Juanita leaves behind her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, John R. Reynolds Jr.; her three children, John Reynolds III, Janel Reynolds Neil (Markus), and Jamal Reynolds. She was a grandmother to Jamal Reynolds II, Markus Neil II (MJ), Miles, JaMila “Mimi” Paul, and Jada Reynolds — each of whom she poured into with fierce love and pride.

She is also survived by her loving siblings: George Pelote (Sarah), Laura Morgan, Joseph Pelote (Kim), Phyllis Pelote Edmonds, Marian Pelote, Lydia Wright (Robert), and Edward Pelote (Shelley). She leaves behind more than 50 nieces and nephews, their children, godchildren, and countless others who affectionately called her “Auntie.”

She was preceded in death by her parents Birdie “Buddy” Williams and Naomi Margarete Williams, her sister Lucille Pelote, and her brothers Gene Maultsby and Norman “Wop” Maultsby.