The Reynolds family celebrated their family reunion July 8 – 10, 2011 in Tampa Florida honoring the descendants of Matilda Reynolds originating from Clay County Georgia.

The Reynolds family activities aimed at “Bridging the Gap from Generation To Generation” included a Meet and Greet on Friday, a tour of the Walter L Smith Library, a picnic at Ragan Park, church services at New Mt. Zion M.B. Church and banquet and dance at the Westshore Embassy Suites.

During the picnic a 30 foot family tree, covering 3 tables, became the gathering spot for discovering where everyone fits and making sure missed family members were added. Family members providing information from vendor tables were Brenda and Arthur Holley, financial information; Dr. Joanne Thomson, dental health; Dr. Walter & Barbara Smith, FAMU; and Shirley Grimsley, diabeties.

Young and old marveled at the extensive historical Smith Library collection now housed in the former homes of Rubin (Matilda’s grandson) and Eva Reynolds.

Approximately 75 family members supported participating family members, Deacon Sutton Page, men’s choir member Arthur Holley, pastor and attorney Sam Hutchinson, and guest pastor Ray Allen. Family member Elsie Ruth of New Jersey and Mt Zion member Carolyn Watson shared a magic moment following the church service, years ago they were valedictorian and salutatorian of the same Speights High School graduating class in Fort Gaines Georgia.

Praise dancers Shamaka Carter and Arnethia Anderson, Glory Foods gift basket and reunion photo show creator Avery Harris were the stars of the dinner and dance. The oldest member at 91 was Tampa’s Frankie Reynolds (widow of West Tampa barber Leroy Reynolds), and of Denver CO traveled the furthest.

The 2011 reunion committee members were Raymond Allen, Jennifer Christian, Elsie Ruth Howard, Sam Hutchinson, Osborne Odom and Orzretta Page. Local family member support, not already mentioned, was provided by Sutton Page, Bro. Billy Wheeler, Rev. Dr. Katheryn Lepard, Bernard Odom, Ersula Odom and Elaine Dogan.

Glory Foods brothers Michael and Jerome Williams, host of the 2009 reunion in Columbus Ohio, said that Glory Foods was all due to “Grandma Mattie’s cooking.” Their company website (www.gloryfoods.com) states: “Using the delicious dishes served in his Columbus, Ohio soul food restaurant as inspiration, William F. “Bill” Williams, along with three partners, Dan Charna, Iris Cooper and Garth Henley, launched Glory Foods in 1989. The vision for this food company, steeped in generations of Southern-style recipes and flavors, came to the table during a friendly discussion about holiday dinner preparation. Williams mentioned to friends the number of hours and care that went into cooking a savory pot of collard greens and how no African-American family celebration is complete without them. How great it would be to have truly authentic canned collard greens, Williams thought. After extensive research, Williams and his partners realized that pre-seasoned, canned collard greens were not available anywhere. So they set out to launch Glory Foods. The company has since become synonymous with quality, convenience and flavorful Southern-style vegetables.”

Grandma Matilda would be proud of what has become of her children’s children and how they have grown and worked together.