A celebration of life for Mrs. Barbara G. Reynolds, 82, of Talladega will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Jacob's Chapel C.M.E. Church. Elder Jerrell C. Hicks will deliver the eulogy. Mrs. Reynolds will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the funeral home.

On January 10, 1941, Barbara Christian was born to Samuel and Bessie Gould. She was the youngest of three children born to this union.

The Goulds insured Barbara grew up in the church and at an early age, she joined Jacobs Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where she remained an active member until her health began to decline. She was a member of the church music department and became the church musician leading the choir and congregation in songs of worship for more than 40 years. On October 4, 2008, Barbara added the title “First Lady” to her resume when her husband became the pastor of Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church. On occasion she would minister in song when she visited Evening Star. She was a member of the Missionary Board and held the position of vice president. Barbara was a member of College City Temple #823 of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order Elks of the World, Inc. (IBPOEW) since 1969 where she was a past state president and was a member of the James E. Kelley Past Daughter Rulers Council. Barbara’s love for music extended beyond the walls of her church home. She was the first directress and organist for the Alabama State Choir of the Alabama State Association of the IBPOEW. Locally, Barbara also served as the organist for College City Temple #823 for over 30 years.

Barbara was employed by the State of Alabama in the Circuit Clerk’s office and retired as Chief Clerk after over 25 years of service. In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves and traveling. Her fondest trip was going to Las Vegas with Belinda. In addition to other activities she may have engaged in around the house, Barbara’s petite frame allowed her to shop until she could drop and dress to the nines. Barbara loved her family, her church and friends and was eager to help in anyway whenever there was a need.

In the early hours of Sunday, September 3, 2023, Barbara began her eternal life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Hardy Reynolds, Jr.; her son, Anthony “Pete” Wallace; father and mother, Samuel and Bessie Gould; and sister, Harlean Garrett.

Barbara’s smile and loving spirit will be sorely missed by her daughter, Belinda Carmichael of Jonesboro, Georgia; three grandchildren, Samuel A. (Derekia) Carmichael, Danielle D. Carmichael and Andrea C. Carmichael; five great grandchildren, Anthony “A. J.” (Addia), Aleigha, Rickey, Alexander and Aiden; three great-great grandchildren, Ari, Onyx and Hendrix; her brother, Samuel L. Gould of Denver Colorado, a niece who is like a daughter, Bess Garrett: and a host of other relatives and friends.