Wilma Dianne Brashears Reynolds' Obituary
Wilma Dianne Brashears Reynolds was born on the 4th of July, 1946 in Willow, Oklahoma. The oldest daughter of Charles and Joyce Gragg. She was raised in Shamrock, Texas where she attended school, became a vital member of the community, raised her family and eventually left this earthly home to join our Lord on May 1st, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents, her younger sister, Vickie Moore and her first husband Truman “Bud” Brashears, who passed from this life in 1993. She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Jesse Reynolds of Shamrock, Texas; two brothers, Ricky Don Gragg and Ronald Gragg, both of Shamrock and two sons and daughters-in-law Brad and Lori Brashears of Fort Morgan, Colorado and Todd and Mindy Brashears of Lubbock, Texas. In addition, she leaves behind five granddaughters, Bailey Brashears of London, Ontario, Canada; Maddie Davis and husband Cody of Fort Morgan, Colorado; Reagan Jimenez and husband Eli of Lubbock, Texas; Kinsey Brashears of Toronto, Canada and Presley Brashears of Ft. Worth, Texas. Maddie and Cody’s two children, Emeryn and Kaiser are Dianne’s great-grandchildren. Those who knew Dianne, know that in addition to her immediate family, she also loved and provided for many of the extended family as well, caring for Vickie’s daughter, Jennifer and her children, Tristen, Payten, Tansley, Lleyten and Denten as if they were her own. She referred to the kids as her “grandkids” in every conversation and loved them with all her heart.
The adjective most often used to describe Dianne during her battle with illness later in life was “strong.” She was, in fact, a strong woman later in life because she learned to be a strong woman early on from two matriarchs who had great influence over her as a Christian woman, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her mother, Joyce Gragg, was as close to a local legend as exists in Wheeler County. For decades, Joyce was a model of consistency, passion, persistence, and love as she guided her family though the competitive trials of life…never wavering, never doubting. She expected greatness and demanded it from all her children, Dianne included.
Beginning with her days at Shamrock High School, with Joyce watching on, Dianne developed a reputation as a strong competitor. A member of the band, a twirler, and star of the high school basketball team, she fought to be the best at whatever she attempted; a characteristic that would follow her throughout her life. She was a life-long athlete, competing for years in local volleyball leagues and traveled the state to compete in adult tennis tournaments. Her collection of trophies in these events was so extensive, it filled entire walls in the garage and barn at her home. She would eventually pass those skills on as she coached at the same school where she herself competed.
As mother-in-law, LD Brashears provided a different type of role model, influencing Dianne in her walk with Jesus and encouraging her to pass that belief on to her children and beyond. During her children’s formidable years, Dianne’s presence and participation at the Church of Christ in Shamrock was machine-like. Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night activities were not debatable within the family and the fifth row on the left side of the sanctuary was occupied if the door to the building was unlocked. LD’s constant support and unwavering faith impacted not only Dianne but subsequent generations of family and community members. Dianne would become a strong Christian in large part due to LD’s influence.
Being a strong Christian and a strong competitor would serve her well throughout her life as she faced no shortage of trials that would test her more than what most people should be allowed in a single lifetime. When her sister Vickie was seriously injured in a car accident in 1977 leaving her paralyzed, her daughter Jennifer came to live with Dianne and her family. When her husband Bud was diagnosed with stage four cancer in the early 80’s, she realized the responsibility for providing for Brad, Todd and Jennifer was about to fall squarely on her shoulders. She responded by getting her teaching degree from West Texas College, driving to Canyon almost every day for four years. She completed that degree in the spring of 1986 and began a career in teaching English, coaching tennis and eventually would earn a master's degree in library science from her beloved Texas Tech University. She was a strong leader for her family and a strong advocate for education. This path in life led her to influence hundreds of students over her career who still consider her a great role model.
Growing up in a time and place where women weren’t expected to be strong, she broke the mold and modeled the characteristics she learned from Joyce and LD and passed those on to her five granddaughters. Bailey, Maddie, Reagan, Kinsey and Presley are each fiercely independent, highly educated, strongly opinionated, and equipped to navigate the world which lies before them. They are a reflection of Dianne and her beliefs. Watching her battling a debilitating illness for 15 years taught them the true meaning of strength; and what it means to face life and its challenges as a fearless, confident, God-fearing woman. The true legacy Dianne leaves behind is not in records, trophies, degrees or even her beautiful quilts. It is her heart for Jesus and never-give-up attitude that has inspired so many around her.
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. – Proverbs 31: 25-31
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Kindred/Gentiva Hospice or Shamrock Meals on Wheels.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Shamrock Church of Christ with Max McClendon and J. Tyree officiating. Burial will follow in Shamrock Cemetery.
Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 4th, from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM with family receiving friends for visitation from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
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