Frances Virginia Reynolds

Frances Virginia “Ginger” Reynolds left her humble home for a grander one in eternity September 29, 2020. If you knew her from childhood, you knew how playful she could be, how much she loved her family and how much they loved her. She also loved animals, from the smallest dogs to much larger horses. And, she had a special place in her heart for the elderly and disadvantaged, both people and animals. Along with that tender heart came a wry sense of humor and a laugh that will linger with us for a long, long time. Remember, it’s the “dash” between birth and death that counts more than the dates.

Ginger was born on November 10, 1946, in Columbus, MS, to Frances Castles Reynolds and Barnett H. Reynolds, Sr., of Starkville, MS. Subsequent to her father’s untimely death, she was also nurtured by her stepfather, Harold Harder. She grew up there with her older brother, Barnett H. Reynolds, Jr., graduated from Starkville High School in 1965, went on to graduate from Mississippi University for Women with a BS in Merchandising and Home Economics in 1969. She continued in school at Mississippi State, studying History and Nursing for a while, which showed her interest in people as she nursed her grandmother, Martha Curtis “Pat” Castles through her last days.

Her professional experience began at her mother’s Kiddie Shop with infants’ and children’s retail clothing while she was still in college, working weekends and holidays. Then she moved to Mesquite, TX, for a job that ultimately led to Manager of Housewares and Decorative Accessories with Montgomery Ward. She then became an Assistant Buyer in the Housewares Division for the century old Huey and Philp Company in Dallas, TX. After a couple of years, she came back to Starkville and bought out her mom’s Kiddie Shop and ran it for eleven years before selling it.

Next she worked for McRae’s Department Store in Columbus, MS, managing their “Women’s World,” winning several company awards for sales and customer service. Then in 1986 she moved to Raleigh, NC, and became General Manager for The Paradies Shops, LLC, at Raleigh-Durham International Airport where she won multiple company awards for management, administration, public relations and customer service. Then in the year 2000, that company increased from two stores to eleven at the Airport and she took the position of Manager Assistant.

Finally, she took a position with the Cameron Village antique mall that led to a managerial position with The Pirate’s Chest Fine Antiques and Interiors.

Health issues slowed her down in recent years to the point where she became mostly homebound, which had to be difficult for someone like her who loved to travel and visit family and friends. She dug deeply into family history, and as always, collected antiques. She was an avid supporter of the SPCA of Wake County. There was always a definite sweetness about her, in spite of difficulties life pressed upon her. She maintained that wonderful sense of humor, and we still have the memory of her contagious laughter. She was a real treasure. She is and will be missed.

Ginger is survived by: her brother Barnett H. Reynolds, Jr., and sister-in-law Nina T. Reynolds, Raleigh, NC; her aunt “Ditty” Florence C. Snyder, Southern Pines, NC, who was like a second mother; her goddaughter, K. Virginia Christman of Winston-Salem, NC. Several first cousins who loved her dearly including: John D. West (Linda), Satellite Beach, FL; Connie W. Milligan (Bill), Charlotte, NC; Patricia S. Christman (John), Shepherdstown, WV; David E. Snyder (Bonnie), Randleman, NC; and Peter F. Snyder III (Barbara), Ringgold, GA.

Funeral arrangements are with Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Milbrook Rd., Raleigh, NC. There will be no funeral service or celebration of life, at her request. Her remains will be taken to Starkville, to be near her mother’s. Memorials suggested: Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703; and the SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.