Natalie Dyer Reynolds

Natalie was born in Mountain Home, Arkansas on February 24, 1924, daughter of the late Ruth Goodwin Dyer and Nat Truman Dyer.

She graduated from Mountain Home High School, Mountain Home, Arkansas. She attended the Music College in Conway, Arkansas for two years and transferred to the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, graduating with a major in choir and voice education. She was very active in the music programs and worked to help fund her tuitions.

Natalie then moved to Macon, Georgia and was the Minister of Music and Choir Director of First Baptist Church for four years. She then married Mr. George W. Reynolds of Columbus, Ohio in 1951. Since he was an officer in the US Navy they moved to San Diego, California for two years.

In 1954 Natalie and George moved to Rome, Georgia and joined the First Baptist Church. Natalie was dedicated to the music program having worked with youth and adults encouraging their desire to learn, appreciate, and love music for 56 years. She was a member of the Music Committees, President of the Sanctuary Choir and anchored the First Pew of the choir for five decades. She was an admired soloist and a favorite singer in the Men’s Scrap Iron Sunday School Class.

Her unselfish sharing of her talents, music ministry and dedication to the church and community helped lead so many to a stronger and deeper faith. She helped others with her humble spirit, both in and out of church membership, to fill the soul and lead others closer to God. Natalie was also a soloist under the direction of her close friend, Betty Doss, at the First Presbyterian Church for eight years.

Natalie was selected to sing in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus in which she participated for many years.

Natalie was a faithful Christian, loving wife and caring mother.

Natalie served as an Adjunct Professor of voice for many years and continued her encouraging efforts to aspiring musical young students. In July of 1999 her husband, George Reynolds, established the Natalie Dyer Reynolds Endowment Scholarship to be awarded to an outstanding voice or piano performance student. This award has benefited many students throughout the years. Her intent was to aide those who aspired to earn a musical education at Shorter College. Her encouraging influence was felt both in and out of the classroom.

Natalie is survived by her beloved and devoted husband, George, of 60 years marriage, her oldest son, Neal L. Reynolds and his wife Myra F. Reynolds and their daughters Natalie Marie Reynolds and Morgan Elizabeth Reynolds of Rome, Georgia. She is also survived by her daughter, Ruth Ann Reynolds of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Natalie was the oldest of six girls. Her surviving sisters in order are Ruth Carter and her husband Earl Carter of Dallas, Texas; Joan Boerner and her husband Henry Boerner of Little Rock, Arkansas; O’Nolda Tabor and her husband Pat Tabor of Smackover, Arkansas; Ida Marie Lewis and her husband Muriel Lewis of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Myrt Offutt and her husband, Don Offutt, of Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is also survived by three generations of nieces and nephews. Her family has a very strong bond and committed heritage.

Serving as Pallbearers are Jeff Brooks, Andy Davis, Bob Hortman, Willie Johnson, Bill Watters, and Thad Watters.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 27, 2011 from 4 until 7 p.m. at the residence of George and Natalie Reynolds, 19 Crestwood Drive in Horseleg Estates, Rome, Georgia.

A private graveside service for the family will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011.

A memorial service celebrating Natalie’s long and active life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, Rome, Georgia with Dr. Joel Snider and the Rev. Keith Reaves officiating. Following the service the family invites everyone to join them in honoring and reflecting on Natalie’s life at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The Seven Hills String Quartet will be performing in remembrance of Natalie’s passionate love of music.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be given to the following in Natalie’s name: Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 1189, Rome, GA 30162, William S. Davies Homeless Shelter, PMB198, 3 Central Plaza, Rome, GA 30161-3233 or Boy Scouts of America, 100 East Second Avenue, Rome, GA 30161.

Daniel’s Funeral Home is serving the family.