Carolyn Reynolds Parker

Carolyn Reid Baugh Reynolds Parker of Greensboro, Georgia passed away on July 24, 2013 at Athens Regional Hospital after a long illness. She was born on November 28, 1923 in Greensboro, Georgia to William Harold and Katherine Monfort Baugh. She graduated from Greensboro High School and attended Tift College. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Afterward she taught school in Greene County until she was considered old enough to join the Red Cross at age 21.

In 1945 she married James Madison Reynolds, Jr. Both having been raised as only children, the couple''s priority was a big family raised in a loving atmosphere. Their home was open to their friends, their children''s friends, and friends of friends. Both Carolyn and Jamie enjoyed the crowds and constant activity. The Reynolds house was a second home to children in the neighborhood and later to their children''s college friends and a number of chance-met characters who enriched their lives. Her stated goal in child rearing was to have "interesting, intelligent children who didn''t smoke cigarettes." And she considered her children her great accomplishment in life.

Jamie Reynolds Jr. passed away in 1979, and in 1987 she married Dr. Lee Parker. They spent many happy years traveling the world. They enjoyed many activities and social events together in the Lake Oconee area. Dr. Parker preceded her in death on September 27, 2012.

In addition to serving as a director of BankSouth for 20 years, Mrs. Parker was a leader in many civic, educational and historic boards. She was a founding member of the Greene County Historical Society and founding member of the Greensboro Cemetery Association. She served on the board of Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and was a trustee for the Madison Morgan Cultural Center. She also belonged to the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Daughters of the American Revolution, and countless other groups.

She was a devoted member of the Church of the Redeemer in Greensboro and spent many happy hours arranging flowers for the church. She also loved arranging flowers for many social and business events. Always gracious with her time, she directed weddings and high school plays.

"Miss" Carolyn was known for her hospitality and graciousness. She co-founded the Plantation Ladies Club at Reynolds Plantation as a way to welcome new residents to the community. She had tremendous influence in the early development of Reynolds Plantation. In fact it has been said that her fingerprints are all over Reynolds Plantation. She oversaw the restoration of the Jackson House which was recognized as the best adaptive use of a historic structure by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation in 1988.

She loved flower gardens and was very knowledgeable about horticulture. She derived much pleasure in her own garden as well as visiting famous gardens throughout the world. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed many happy hours camping on the banks of the Oconee River and Lake Sinclair with Jamie and her children.

Carolyn was interested in history and a great resource to many people looking to find their ancestors in Greene County. She was a voracious reader and loved her "young" friends and the spirited discussions in the Bookworms book club.

Carolyn truly enjoyed life. She tried to make every occasion special for her friends, but she particularly wanted things to be special for her family, the center of her life. She would want her legacy to her grandchildren and great grand children to have the persistence and determination she demonstrated throughout her life and during her last illness. Never give up. Expect more and do your best.

She is survived by daughters Frances Reynolds Strickland and her husband Gentry and Marguerite Reynolds McInteer, sons Jamie Reynolds III and his wife Kathy, and Harold Reynolds and his wife Lesley. Six grandchildren Beth (Bobby) Thomas, Jim (Ellen)Strickland, Bill (Tabi) Strickland, Jamie Reynolds IV, Chandler Reynolds and Jackson Reynolds. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Jack Thomas, Will Thomas, Carolyn Strickland, Mary Cate Strickland, Davis Strickland, Amanda Strickland, Ella Strickland and Hal Strickland. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law Troy McInteer.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 26 at 3:00 graveside at the Greensboro City Cemetery. A reception for friends will follow at the Reynolds home at 205 S. East Street in Greensboro. Pallbearers are Ted Baker, Keith Sebade, Jamie Boswell, Ansley Williams, E. B. Baugh, Fred Hunter, Hunter Richards and Jimmy Scott. Donations may be made to the Greensboro City Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 176, Greensboro, GA 30642 or Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Building Maintenance Fund, P.O. Box 93, Greensboro, GA 30642. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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