“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” — Psalm 116:15

This photo was taken in 2019, when I was invited to speak at the annual Go Red for Women luncheon in Dayton, Ohio. My mother was one of the featured spokesmodels, helping raise awareness about heart disease. She was even on billboards around town! She proudly represented the “1 in 3”—the millions of women affected by heart disease.

On Wednesday, her heart stopped beating.

And my mother, Lucy Leavell Reynolds, accepted her invitation to Heaven.

As our family mourns this profound loss, I want to ensure that her life continues to make an impact.

My mother gave clear instructions: “Karen, I don’t want a funeral!”

So instead, I invite you to join me in honoring her memory in a meaningful way.

So many of you have reached out asking what you can do as we walk through this season of grief. I haven’t had an answer.  Because, beyond your prayers, our family is not in need of anything.

But then it came to me.

I would love for us to create a legacy of giving in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of two organizations that mean so much to our family:

• American Heart Association

My mother was part of the “1 in 3.”

After suffering a stroke in December and courageously battling congestive heart failure for many years, Mama crossed over the Jordan River and received her eternal healing.  She is now resting in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Your support of the American Heart Association will fund critical research and provide care for those living with heart disease and recovering from strokes—both of which shaped my mother’s journey.