Obituaries

Services for Lorraine Avalon Reynolds, 84, of Sherman, who passed at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 21, will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Dannel Funeral Home. Rev. Larry Little will officiate. Interment will follow the service at West Hill Cemetery in Sherman. The family will greet friends on Monday, May 25 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Pallbearers for Avalon will be Chris Reynolds, Seth Reynolds, DJ Shields, Dakota Shields, Jason Shields, Josh Shields, and Micah "Mad Dog" Blunt. Lorraine Avalon Reynolds, “Todi”, was born in Sherman, Texas on November 16, 1935 to Lena Lorraine Steedman and Richard Sterling Hill. She was an only child and spent most of her childhood in Hagerman, formally Steedman, Texas, with her grandpa, S.D. Steedman, Jr., son of Col. of the Alabama Regiment in the Civil War, Judge S.D. Steedman, Sr., who served in Grayson County. Before her great grandfather became a judge, he was a prisoner during the Civil War and released after 2 years. During his imprisonment he studied the law and eventually became a judge. Avalon was his great granddaughter and spent time helping her grandparents at the Steedman Post Office where they also resided. She loved the country and being the only grandchild to the get that wonderful “spoiling”. “Todi” was loved by many and a she was always a great hostess. Avalon loved her home in the country at Hagerman as well as riding horses where she participated in the grand entry at numerous rodeos. She loved camping and fishing and was a great mother and loving wife and grandmother and friend. Avalon worked as the private secretary for the city clerk in Sherman and retired in 1999. Her husband Dennis, whom she was married for 65 years, was a great fisherman around Lake Texoma and they would entertain many friends, family, and even strangers while camping. They loved to travel and camp in their Fifth Wheel. She loved her son, Daniel D. Reynolds and considered him her pride and joy. When he walked in the room she would beem her beautiful smile. She also had a daughter Gina Reynolds who has been her caregiver for 5 years. They had a wonderful relationship and shared a special love as well.

Avalon was preceded in death by her husband Dennis. She is survived by her son, Dan Reynolds and wife Marylou; daughter Gina Reynolds; grandchildren: Chris Reynolds and wife Cyndy, Seth Reynolds and wife Jennifer, Casey Reynolds and husband D-Ray, D.J. Shields and wife Alina, Jason Shields and wife Bridgette, Josh Shields and wife Lisa, Dakota Shields and wife Bailey, Rikki Jo Shields and husband Calvin. Rikki Jo was always referred as her favorite grand daughter and spent every minute with her the last 3 days of her life. Rikki was very special to “Todi” and we all appreciate the help, love, kindness, sleepless nights and comfort she provided to mom the last days of her life. She was Rikki’s best friend. Avalon is also survived by 34 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express a sincere appreciation to Dr. Diego Restrepo who is the best doctor anyone could ever ask for, along with the staff of Guardian Hospice and their amazing group of nurses and aides. Thank you all for everything you did for our mom, especially Meghan who was mom’s private caregiver. I love you momma and will miss you more than you could ever imagine! Love, Gina

Hand In Hand

As we celebrate your're promised vows, and give thanks to beyond the sky... I speak for both of us, yes, my brother Dan and I... We'd like to thank you Mom & Dad, for being such good friends, for being life long soul mates, Toughing out the thick & thin... Partners and Providers, Teachers & our Friends, what wonderful parents, to us you have been... You're helping hands & giving hearts, have given gifts of gold... The wisdom that you've shared,the love that showed you cared... All things you said, now we understand... That's why today you stand before us, still joined "Hand in Hand" We'd like to thank you, for all that you have done... Your words, your love, and caring hearts, from us your children, will never part... Not many sons and daughters, have the chance we have today... Thank you, Lord you've blessed us, much more than our words can say...

I’m here now my sweet Todi to meet you at the gate, remember it’s the east side I’ve been here and laid in wait I’ve missed you so much momma, and watched you all alone, and now the Lord has told me that I could bring you home... So with my hand held out, as you dream the other night... I will be right here with him through this special special flight, so reach for my hand we held so many years... I will take you where I live and there are no more tears, I hope the family feels the peace where you have safely landed hand-in-hand with dad forever so don’t be sad...

So go on Dan and Gina and teach what you have learned please keep us all together and we will meet in heaven forever.

I sent a message yesterday to my one and only son I got your momma with me and it’s only just begun

Love pepaw