Ida Reed

Ida Lee Reed, age 99, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday March 19, 2011. She was born on November 15, 1911 in Coleman County, TX, to the late Simeon Brunion (SB) Jarrell and Nora Elizabeth (Brown) Jarrell. While her husband was away during WWII, she opened and ran a put-put golf and driving range. In the early 50’s, she sold Penny-Wise plastics and became regional manager of those pre-Tupperware products. Then in the late 50’s and through the early 70’s, she established one of the premier antique shops in the south, selling period French, English and American antiques to customers from around the world, including many noted celebrities and entertainers. But above all, her greatest accomplishment was how she lived and shared her life as a reflection of her faith in God. Ida Lee was a life-long student of the Bible helping many of her friends and family understand how God’s Word could positively impact their lives. From her childhood game of “playing church” with her younger brother and sister, to her deep devotion to studying the Word, to holding weekly prayer meetings at her home, to talking with many of her family over a cup of coffee and her famous toast, she was fervent in her willingness to listen and share the message that God gave her. Befitting the endearment of her family, Ida Lee was called by many names: Sister, Aunt Ida Lee, Aunt Dee, Aunt Ike, and Bee Bee, which has special meaning to her grandchildren. Each morning, her husband would say to her “Bye, baby” as he left for work. Her oldest grandchild tried to imitate his grandfather but could only say “bb”. This name stuck and she soon became our wonderful Bee Bee, with even many of her friends calling her by this name. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Thomas Ezekiel Reed; sons Thomas Jarrell Reed and Jerry Don Reed; five sisters, Lillie Roberson, Myrtie Simmons, Ethel Riddle, Etta Mae Spencer and Geneva Alexander; three brothers, John Hosea Jarrell, Jonathan Prentice Jarrell, and Ural Dub Jarrell. She is survived by her four grandchildren: Gregory Don Reed of Hot Springs, Donald Wayne Reed of Belle Vernon, PA, Gina Latrice Wilson of Colleyville, TX and Derric Thomas Reed of Hot Springs; two daughters-in-law: Eveleen (Ware) Reed and Patsy (Moss) Reed, both of Hot Springs; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family gives special thanks to her wonderful caregivers and the staffs of West Shores Senior Living Community, St. Joseph Hospital and the Advance Care Hospital at St. Joseph. A celebration of her life will be held at the First Pentecostal Church of Hot Springs on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. Visitation will be in the sanctuary of the church beginning at 9:00am day of the service, with the memorial following at 11:00am. Interment will be at Crestview Cemetery.