Reatha M. Traynham

REATHA MAE TRAYNHAM, daughter of the late Charlie McCoy Moore and Rena A. Persons Moore, was born on October 13, 1935, along with her twin, Charlie Ray Moore, in Stokes, North Carolina. She was the first of eight children. She departed this life on May 23, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Reatha grew up in North Carolina and graduated from Bethel High School, a member of the class of 1954. She was secretary of her class and loved to sing. She was a member of the glee club for four years. Reatha traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to further her education in nursing. She graduated from Baltimore City Hospital as an LPN and worked at Sinai Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital. She also did private duty nursing. While in Baltimore, she was introduced to the love of her life, Davies Traynham. They wed December 7, 1958. From their union three children were born, Sharon, Jeffrey and Reuben. She happily gave up her nursing career to concentrate on raising her kids. In 1966, on the advice of her friend Clarina Nelson, they moved to Fernpark Avenue. This was a street full of young families. Through the years 3 families remained in this neighborhood for over 50 years. From that we had 3 queens of the block, Clarina Nelson, Elva Perry, and Reatha is the last queen to rest her tiara. She truly enjoyed cooking, sewing, decorating and just glowed when the entire family sat together every night for dinner. Dinner did not begin until Daddy sat at the table and was given his meal. She also loved watching game shows, shopping network, reading, singing, playing cards and board games. She would shop at thrift stores, buying games to play with her kids. She had so many games, the neighborhood kids would come to the house and ask, “Can your mother come out to play?” Reatha was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness. She was baptized January 25th, 1965. She and Jeffrey faithfully attended weekly meetings at the Park Heights, and Windsor Mill Congregations. She was well known and loved by all who knew her. Many affectionately called her Mom, as she called them all her sons and daughters with love. As her health slowly declined over her last 3 years, Jehovah blessed her to be able to see her children sprout gray hairs. While ill, she fought to keep her independence and her 3 children made sure she wanted for nothing. From modifying her home and installing helpful technology she was still able to do some things that she enjoyed. Jehovah allowed her to see and have the comfort of knowing her children have a strong love for each other, and most of all that Jeffrey will be well taken care of. Being born a twin, she said she never wanted to be left alone. While taking her last breath, she knew she was not alone, as her daughter held her hand and let her know we will see each other again. Reatha is preceded in death by her husband Davies Traynham, and siblings Charlie, David, Willie, Albert, Themba and Verna. She leaves to cherish her memory: her sister, Eva Doris Williams; her children, Sharon Curtis, Jeffrey Traynham and Reuben Traynham (Bonita); three sisters-in-law, Francis Moore, Ella Moore and Delores Moore; stepdaughter, Jean Dixon (Vernon); brother-in-law, Aaron Traynham; a host of nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Reatha M. Traynham

October 13, 1935 - May 23, 2024