In Loving Memory of Laurice Reynolds February 13, 1944 – August 28, 2025

Laurice Reynolds, a woman of deep faith, unshakable conviction, and boundless love, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025, in her beloved adopted hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. She was 81 years old.

Born on February 13, 1944, to Clem and Annie Register in Hallsboro, North Carolina, Laurice Register came into a world shaped by profound change. As the world emerged from the shadows of World War II, and as the United States was beginning to reckon with its promises of freedom and equality, a little girl with a powerful voice and a gentle heart was born in a small Southern town. During that same year, Black Americans were still fighting both overseas and at home—for democracy abroad and dignity at home. The echoes of these times shaped Laurice's soul and spirit. She would become a woman who stood for justice, compassion, and faith.

Laurice graduated from Artesia High School in Hallsboro, where she first showed her love for learning. Later in life, she would earn her master's degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire—a testament to her belief in the power of education, not only for herself but for everyone she touched.

A fierce advocate for her community and a mother to many beyond her bloodline, Laurice was a constant presence in the heart of Trenton. She opened Classics Books on Warren Street in 2005 alongside her son-in-law—a dream fulfilled and a gift to the city she loved. The bookstore wasn't just a place to find stories—it is a story. Classics is a place of gathering, learning, and affirmation, especially for African American voices.  The bookstore became a beacon of knowledge and unity.

Laurice's faith guided every step she took. She was most recently a member of First Presbyterian Church, though throughout her life she worshipped and served at Imani Community Church, served as a community consultant to Westminster Presbyterian Church, was a member at Mt. Sinai SDA Church, and Mt. Hebron AME Zion Church. No matter the season of life, her declaration was unwavering, "God is on the throne." In joy or sorrow, victory or struggle, she reminded everyone around her that prayer was power and that hope never failed.

Her activism was not just spoken, it was lived. From handing out AIDs education pamphlets, condoms, and t-shirts on street corners as part of her Let's Talk About AIDs campaign, to her tireless work with the Urban Women's Center at the Carver Center and the Women in Transition Center, to giving out free books to Trenton kids through the Safkhet Literacy Project, Laurice stood tall for the forgotten and the hurting. She had a fierce sense of justice, and if you had a cause or a calling, she would meet it with encouragement, resources, and prayer. She would also ask "You want me to cuss 'em out for you?"  Laurice was a woman who never let you dream alone.  There are people still on their recovery journey today from her work at 541 East State Street back in the '90s.

Laurice was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Reynolds, by her great-granddaughter, Kaileena, her brothers James Flemming Pridgen, Carl Register and Renard Register and sisters Josie Ellison, Betty Hazel, Carol Kemp and Shelbia Dickerson.

She is survived by her devoted brother, Jeffery Register, his wife Trudy and brother-in-law Stephen Dickerson, the devoted husband of her sister Shelbia (in heaven) who walked through life with her with deep family love.

She leaves behind her children, each a reflection of her strength and wisdom:

Stephani Register

Donna Maywar, married to Eric Maywar

Alan Register, married to Celina Woodall

Deirdre Williams, married to Jarvis Williams

To them, she was more than a mother, she was a fortress, a counselor, a nightly lullaby, and a guiding light.

Her grandchildren—Chiquera, Raphaelle, Anajae, Allen, Bryonna, Dominique, Nia, Efe, Noah, Jabari, Ezra and two bonus grandchildren, Angela and Efrain—called her MomMom, and in her arms, they found unconditional love, warm meals, whispered prayers, and wisdom passed down like heirlooms.

Her great-grandchildren—Asata, Efrain Josiah, Aalyiah, Nikako, Khaleesi, Kaileena (in Heaven), Aubrey, and Alana—knew her as Laurice-the-Great, a title that fits in every possible way.

A host of cousins, nieces and nephews, who she loved so well, are also left and experience the loss. She loved them all.

If Laurice loved you, she loved you with her whole heart. She prayed with you, dreamed with you, and walked beside you. She believed in the promise of people. She believed in second chances. She believed that everyone deserved to be seen, heard, and helped. And when she believed in you, you believed in yourself a little more too.

She was deeply loved by her family, cherished by her friends, and revered by the Trenton community, who saw in her the rare combination of grit and grace.

Each night, Laurice would sing Jesse Belvin's "Good Night My Love" to her children as they went to bed. Today, they offer the same melody back to her spirit, wrapped in eternal gratitude and love:

Goodnight, my love Pleasant dreams and sleep tight, my love

Rest well, Laurice Anajae Reynolds. You have fought the good fight. Your legacy lives in every life you've touched. You will not be forgotten.

— A Celebration of Life Service for Laurice Reynolds was held on Saturday, September 20th at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1140 Greenwood Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609. Laurice loved flowers so they would be appreciated.  The family suggests that if flowers are not your thing, donations can be made on behalf of Laurice Reynolds to either of these charitable organizations,

Safkhet Literacy Project, the 501c3 arm of Classics Books which makes it possible to give free books to Trenton kids, to continue Laurice's passion for community upliftment and education,

The Deacon Board of Westminster Presbyterian Church and/or

RIE, Recovery Is Essential.

Goodnight, my love Pleasant dreams and sleep tight, my love May tomorrow be sunny and bright And bring you closer to me

Before you go There's just one thing I'd like to know If you love is still warm for me Or has it gone cold?

If you should awake in the still of the night Please have no fear For I'll be there, darling you know I care Please give your love to me, dear, only

Goodnight, my love Pleasant dreams and sleep, May tomorrow be sunny and bright And bring you closer to me

Goodnight, my love Pleasant dreams and sleep tight, my love May tomorrow be sunny and bright And bring you closer to me

Goodnight, my love Sleep tight, my love

Love, Love, Love Laurice

We Love You Mommy