Velma Louise McReynolds

Velma Louise McReynolds Bryles was born in 1935, near the small town of Morrow in the scenic Ozarks of southwest Washington County, Arkansas. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953, which aligns with her birth year.

Velma Louise McReynolds Bryles passed away peacefully on November 21, 2020, at the age of 85. Although she died in Blytheville, Arkansas, she was born and raised near Morrow in southwest Washington County, which clearly held deep roots and meaning for her throughout her life.

Velma was born near Morrow in the scenic Ozarks of southwest Washington County. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1953, she moved to Fayetteville and worked as a secretary at the College of Agriculture. It was there she met her future husband, Mark Bryles, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

Together, they raised three sons and lived in several Delta towns including Piggott, Corning, Star City, Osceola, and Blytheville. Velma was deeply devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called her “Gran.” She found joy in returning to her Ozark roots and cherished those visits.

Velma was active in her community and church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and participating in the WMU, Circle, Woman’s Club, and Garden Club. She also worked at Farmers Bank & Trust in Blytheville during her sons’ college years.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Pearl McReynolds, her brother Howard, and her eldest son Steve. She is survived by her husband Mark, sons Tommy and Roger, daughter-in-law Pam, siblings Wilma Dean Caswell and Dale McReynolds, and a large extended family including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.