Reola Marie McConnell

Reola "Rea" McConnell (Lyons) died peacefully at home on March 18, 2019 in Boston, Ma at the age of 87.

Reola is survived by her children, Larry Parker and Joe Strokes of Aliceville, AL; Cheryl McConnell of Boston Ma. She is preceded in death by her husband Osborn McConnell of Boston Ma, along with 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

Reola was born on May 24, 1931 in Panola, AL to Joe and Inez Lyons. She was educated at North Sumter High School in Panola, AL. She later relocated to Boston, Ma where she became an employee at Teradyne working there 25+ years and worshiping at New Hope Baptist Church.  While in Boston she met and married the love of her life Osborn McConnell on January 9, 1976. The McConnell’s continued to worship at New Hope Baptist Church until joining Lily of the Valley in Mattapan, MA in the early 1980s.  On March 12, 2017 Reola followed Pastor James Ruffin and sixty others as they formed Sounds of a New Beginning Church Ministries based in Dorchester MA. With Deacon Reola McConnell becoming the Mother of the Church. 

Reola was a dedicated individual who loved to be around family and friends, she was passionate about seeing the best in every person and situation placed in front of her. She will forever be remembered for her fashion sense and her LOVE for southern cooking.  Fond memories of Reola will be forever cherished by her children Larry, Joe and Cheryl.  Her grandchildren, Tia McConnell of Boston Ma, Barbara McMullen of Aliceville, AL, Shondolyn Parker, Kendrick Parker, Darneshia Smith, Brandon Parker, Ashley Stoke, Alicia Stokes, and Joe Bernard Stokes all of Tuscaloosa AL. and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” -Psalm 23:1-3

Beloved mother and grandmother

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