Wanda Grace Grace Reynolds Warren

Wanda Grace Warren blessed us with her presence for an incredible 100 years. She saw many amazing things during those years, but none more amazing than what she saw when she woke from a short nap on October 30th to find herself in heaven’s glory. Grace was born in Unionville, Missouri to William and Zeddie Reynolds, the fourth child in a family of six: Naomi, Dr. J. Paul, Claude, and younger siblings Dr. W. Ober, and Fred. Only Dr. W. Ober Reynolds survives her. Grace’s family moved to Montana when she was 15 and settled in and around the Klein/Roundup area, where her father farmed and worked for the coal company. She attended Klein High School and graduated in 1928. While there she played basketball and was the Captain of the golf team. Her family believed that a good education was important, even for women, so she enrolled in the University of Montana State Normal College, Dillon to earn her teacher’s certificate. She transferred in 1929 to the newly opened (March 1927) Eastern Montana Normal School located in Billings. She was among its first graduates in the class of 1930. After finishing her education she taught school grades 1-4 for several years. In October 1931, she secretly eloped and married William Pickett in Miles City, Montana. After her marriage she continued to live at home and teach and did not tell her parents that she was married for nearly a year. Her marriage was short lived as was her teaching career. She went to work for Beatrice Foods in the 40,s and relocated to Great Falls, Montana sometime in the 1950’s. She left the food company and went to work for the state in a facility that worked with disabled children. In 1962 she met Captain John A. Warren and in October 1963 married him while visiting her brother in Albuquerque, N.M. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Orlando to help care for Johnny’s mother who was ill with cancer. While here she found work with Behe, Umholtz, and Banks, electrical contractors. When Mr. Behe and Umholtz formed their own company she moved with them. She retired in the 80’s. In addition to her work she cared for her mother from November 1969 until her death August 1976. She was a devoted wife to her husband remained by his side until his untimely death in January 1992. She was a caring mother to her step children - Rev. William J. Warren of North Carolina and Judy Warren of Orlando. She was a great grandmother to Joline Robinson, Joshua Warren, Adam Morgan, Scotty & Steve Stinson, and a wonderful great-grandmother to Josie Warren, Samantha Robinson, Katarina Hopson, Dominic & Damian. She also was a wonderful Aunt to all of her numerous nieces and nephews. Grace’s passion prior to marrying Johnny was horses. She had a show horse, Jiggs, that won many competitions all around the state of Montana. She once said that she wasn’t sure she made a good trade when she sold her horse and saddle and married Johnny. She and Johnny were avid Bridge players and both of them loved to travel. Special thanks are due to Debbie, Scott and family for the wonderful care and love they showed Grace for thirty years. Debbie’s loving care her last few years enabled Grace to preserve her dignity which provided a wonderful quality of life. She will be missed but not forgotten. Woodlawn Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday evening 6:30 PM at the Orlando First United Methodist Church located at 142 East Jackson Street, Orlando. The family has requested that memorial gifts be sent to McDowell Mission Ministries, PO Box 297, Marion, NC 28752. Condolences may be offered at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com. Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha, FL. 407-293-1361