Pastor Rella R. Reynolds

Rella R. Reynolds was born in Eden, North Carolina on July 2, 1959, to Parthenia Loretta Broadnax and the late Herfort Bill Broadnax. She peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Resurrection Sunday, April 9, 2023, surrounded by love.

Rella received her early education in the public schools of Delaware and received her diploma from De La Warr High School. After graduating high school, she pursued higher education, graduating from Delaware State University and later obtaining her Master’s Degree from Wilmington University.

Rella began her professional career as an educator, working at Salem Middle School, the Colonial School District, and Christina School District. She dedicated 40 years of her life to the education system. Rella developed a fondness for students who were categorized by the system as "delinquent" or "at-risk." During her initial years in education, she extended invitations to her students and their families to visit her home and church, providing them with the necessary assistance. Subsequently, she earned the title of a "second-mother" from many. She spent the latter part of her career as an administrator, assistant principal, and then principal, retiring from Bancroft Elementary School.

In 1983, Rella accepted the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized. Within a week, she was Spirit-filled at her home. She felt a strong conviction to consecrate herself and seek the Lord's guidance regarding her calling. During this time of consecration, she had a powerful spiritual experience. Rella had a visitation from Jesus Christ appearing to her in the form of a cloud, and an angel stood beside Him holding a rod. She heard an audible voice that declared, "It is established in Heaven," which confirmed to her the calling to preach at a time when many did not believe in women preachers. Shortly afterward, she accepted her call into ministry, serving in the capacities of evangelist and revivalist. Evangelist Rella had a passion for outreach ministry and provided weekly in-home prayer and Bible Study to the sick, shut-in, and elderly.

After being divinely healed from Sarcoidosis, Rella met her true love, Eric, at a youth service in Elkton, Maryland. On September 30, 1989, they were united in holy matrimony. Rella gained two daughters, and from this union, three daughters were born.

Rella loved being a wife and mother, and had very strong family values. As a wife, she made a happy home and was a dedicated life partner and supporter of her husband in ministry. As a mother, she was a nurturer and devoted caregiver. She instilled into her girls the importance of God and their education, making sure that they had both, and was very proud of their achievements. As the eldest sister, she was a disciplinarian, protector, and best friend to her four younger siblings. As a daughter, she honored her father and mother and held the utmost respect for them. She was very grateful for her upbringing and all of the things that helped to mold her into the woman that she had become.

Rella also loved unity and togetherness. She could always be found hosting family gatherings at her home; and after the dinner blessing, no one would eat until they expressed what they were thankful for.

The House of Prayer Church of Deliverance was founded on September 30, 1990; and for 32 years, Pastor Rella served as beloved first lady, spiritual mother, and assistant pastor. She diligently ministered to the people of God with love, compassion, and joy. She was a business administrator, powerful instructor, life coach, advisor, and an inspiration and encouragement to all.

Pastor Rella was a mentor and role model, a lady of grace and integrity, the epitome of holiness, a humble servant, and a strong woman of God. No matter the situation or circumstance, she loved to pray and to praise her Lord! She was a faithful example of Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Rella cared about everyone and was revered by all who experienced her loving and sweet nature. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her devoted husband of 33 years, Eric Reynolds; five beautiful daughters, Chanda Reynolds, Chanelle Reynolds, Shekinah Reynolds, Erica Reynolds, and Brandy Reynolds; one adopted daughter, Ronda Thomas; her loving mother, Parthenia L. Broadnax; two brothers, Morris M. Broadnax (Trenda) and Herfort Broadnax (Keria); one sister, Nicole R. Leifert (Ronnie); sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda Hall, Dennice Stribling (Lloyd), Juliet Williams, Robin Minor, Gwendolyn Smith (Vincent), Melissa Reynolds, and Kenneth Reynolds; one grandson, Jett McKinney; two aunts, Abbie L. Lampkins and Mary A. Giles; her Godmother, Priscilla Bloodsworth; one Godson, Nehemiah Brown; three God-grandsons, Jahsie, Carter, and Presad; and a host of nieces, nephews, dear cousins, church members, and colleagues. She was predeceased by her father, Herfort B. Broadnax; one brother, Michael A. Broadnax; mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Mazie Reynolds; and three brothers-in-law, Maurice Reynolds, Billy Hall, and George Williams.