Velma Louise McReynolds Bryles

Velma Louise McReynolds Bryles, 85, of Blytheville, Ark., passed away peacefully on Nov. 21, 2020, surrounded by her husband and sons.

She was born and raised near Morrow, Ark., in southwest Washington County. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1953, she moved to Fayetteville to work as a secretary in the College of Agriculture where she met a senior Ag student whom she would eventually marry.

Their married life included the births and rearing of three sons and career stops in several towns across the delta including Blytheville, Piggott, Corning, Star City, Osceola and back to Blytheville. She took great delight in her grandchildren and great- grandchildren who affectionately called her Gran.

She volunteered her time and talents as a homeroom mother and in support of her sons’ activities and interests. She worked for many years at the Farmers Bank & Trust in Blytheville while they were in college. Faith was important which led her to serve in many church roles and groups including Sunday School teacher, WMU and Circle. She also served in the community through the Woman’s Club and Garden Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Pearl McReynolds; older brother, Howard McReynolds; and oldest son, Steven Mark (Steve) Bryles.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Mark Bryles, of the home; her younger sons, Tommy (Anne) of Hickory Plains and Roger (Mary Jane) of Fayetteville; daughter- inlaw, Pam Bryles of Little Rock; her sister, Wilma Dean Ca swell( L. J .) of Lincoln; younger brother, Dale McReynolds (Naomi) of Dutch Mills; her sister-inlaw, Darlene McReynolds of Springdale; grandchildren, Marianne Price ( Matt) of El Paso, Emily Fitzgerald of Little Rock, Caitlyn Bryan ( Cody) of Dallas, Ben Bryles of Richmond, Va., Will Bryles, Canehill, Addison Bryles of Hickory Plains and Sophie and Lily Bryles of Fayetteville; four great- grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Ron Wilcoxson officiating. A private graveside service was held at Hickory Plains Cemetery in Hickory Plains, Ark. The family requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church in Blytheville, the Arkansas 4-H Foundation in Little Rock or to the charity of choice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

Cobb Funeral Home of Blytheville was in charge of arrangements.

Bryles