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Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Dorothy Wright Reynolds

11/29/1953 - 2/18/2026

Text:

Obituary For Mrs. Dorothy Wright Reynolds

Dorothy Lynn “Candy” Wright-Reynolds was a loving sister, mother, and teacher. She was born in Beckley, WV on November 29, 1953. She was the youngest of four children to the late Leonard B. and Dorothy P. Wright also of Beckley, WV. Christened at a young age, she attended St. Matthew AME Church in Beckley, WV, where she was very active as a young adult. She was an avid student and attended East Beckley Elementary School, Stratton Jr. High School, and Woodrow Wilson High School of Beckley. During her school years, she excelled in the arts and literary subjects. She went on to attend Glenville State College and Marshall University, both in WV, where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education with emphasis in both math and English.

She began her teaching career in Raleigh County and taught primarily at Stratton Jr. High School and Woodrow Wilson High School. Mrs. Wright Reynolds was a dedicated teacher for over 30 years, focusing on helping struggling students realize their potential. She spent most of her summers and time after hours directing yearbooks, helping organize school functions, and teaching in community programs including Muster tutoring, HSTA, Y.E.S program, and notably, the alternative education program. After retiring in 2014, she continued teaching as a substitute, especially in classrooms with behaviorally challenged youth. She always said she loved her “bad” kids. This is because she could see the good in everyone, even when they couldn’t quite see it for themselves.

Preceding her passing were her parents, grandparents, her husband and the love of her life, Harry Reynolds, two brothers (Leonard and Roderick), aunts, uncles, and several beloved cousins and friends.

Dorothy departed this life on February 18, 2026, in Beckley, West Virginia. Left to cherish her memories are her children, Declan Reynolds and Dorothy Reynolds (Neel) Parmar, as well as four grandchildren: Nevin, Avi, Dorothy-Lyn, and Calliope. She is also survived by her sister, Cheryl Wright (Melvin) Poplar, niece, Chermel Bluitt, plus three bonus children: Harry Reynolds, III, Scott Anthony Reynolds, Nicoli R. Reynolds, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Special long-time friends are Paulette English (Godmother to her children), Ruth Cox, Claudine Mason, Patricia Perry, Jackie Powell, Terry Phillips, and Peggy Webster who remained close to her in her last days.

She genuinely believed in the path of Christ, and she accepted and loved all unconditionally. A spiritual and gifted teacher and mother, she will be truly missed by family, friends, and students. However, the lessons she taught through her personality, her voice, and her stories will live on through us.

As per her request, she has been cremated.

Family directed memorial service will be 12:30PM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Matthew AME Church 103 Mills Ave., Beckley.

Friends may visit with the family thirty minutes prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Condolences

  • 03/13/2026

    Wilbert and Doris Boyden McCormick

    To Dorothy's family and close friends: Our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. You have lost a fine lady and that is a great loss. We ask God to be with each of you during your hours of bereavement. Much love to each of you! Wilbert and Doris Boyden McCormick

  • 03/13/2026

    Larry Hoskins

  • 03/02/2026

    Antonio and Marie Franklin

    Dorothy was a trailblazer at Glenville State College, as she was a member of the award-winning forensics team. She also won the "Glamour Girl Contest" in 1976, which was sponsored by Glamour Magazine. She was actively involved in drama and played major roles in theater performances. She blessed the lives of those who were fortunate to know her. May she rest in peace. With Love and Sympathy, Tony and Marie Franklin

  • 02/26/2026

    John Miller

    One of my absolute favorites teachers at WWHS and a wonderful human being.

  • 02/23/2026

    Esther (Bell) Smith

    So sorry for your loss. Dorothy and I went to school together. She was such a sweet person. We talked on facebook.She taught my son Brian Thompson.Praying for your family.🙏🙏🙏

  • 02/22/2026

    Lisa Moten

    On Friday, I heard the heartbreaking news that Candy had passed away. I'm so sorry I didn't make it to Beckley to see her one last time, but I find comfort in knowing she's now rejoicing with the other saints in heaven. I'm sending prayers of peace and strength to her family during this difficult time. Candy was a blessing not only to me but to countless others during her time here on earth, and I have no doubt that God is saying to her, "Well done, my faithful servant." With love, Lisa & Starr

  • 02/22/2026

    Anita Petties

    A beautiful soul no longer in pain. Prayers and sympathy for the family. The Petties family

  • 02/22/2026

    Angela Williams

    Mrs Wright-Reynolds was my teacher in 9th grade at Stratton & she was one of my favorite teachers & always had the brightest smile, my heart was saddened when I learned of her transition, my love & prayers to her family ❤️

  • 02/21/2026

    Larry and Judy Patterson and Family

    To the family of our friend , neighbor and community educator,,Ms.Dorothy Wright-Reynolds our entire family sincerely extend deepest sympathy in the passing of mother. She was a favorite teacher of our children because she cared about all the your ones in her charge.She was a kind, meek and humble woman and was valiant in her health struggles. Take your rest ..🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • 02/20/2026

    Michelle Clarkson

    Dorothy took me under her wing as a new teacher at Woodrow back in 2003. She was always my momma Dorothy. She will be missed greatly.

  • 02/19/2026

    Eileen and Clifford

    Dorothy was a sweet person who I have known since we were little @St. Matthews. The family has our deepest condolences and prayers. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington

  • 02/19/2026

    Bobbie (Parsons) Johnson

    I met Dorothy at Girls State. We went on to be roommates and lifelong friends at Glenville State. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. My condolences to all. She fought a good fight.

  • 02/19/2026

    William Cousins and Charles Cousins

    Please accept our deepest condolences. Sending prayer to the family. W. Cousins C. Cousins

  • 02/19/2026

    - Charlene Wynes Davis

    Prayers

  • 02/18/2026

    C. Anderson

    To The Family, Please Accept My Heartfelt Condolences. Truly the loss of a precious loved one is most difficult. Please find comfort in the promise our most loving Heavenly Father Jehovah God gives us in Revelation 21:4"And He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more; neither will mourning; nor outcry; nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Yes, We can look forward to a time soon to come when all suffering including death will be done away with forever. For more encouraging information from the bible. Please visit jw.org

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