Eleanor G. Reed

Eleanor Glyn Stephens Reed, age 87, passed away early Monday, November 21, 2011, at Silverado Senior Living - Cypresswood in Houston, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.

Eleanor was born on August 2, 1924, in Snyder, Texas, daughter of Leta Melissa Williams and Clifford Columbus Stephens. She is survived by her beloved and faithful husband of 66 years, Robert Howard Reed, of Katy, where they have resided for the last 25 years. She is also survived by one daughter, Rhonda Reed Turns, of Cypress; two sons, Stephen Howard Reed and wife Sue of Richmond, and Dan Alan Reed and wife Vicki of Houston. "Grany Reed" leaves her eight precious grandchildren to cherish her memory, Rollin Lee Reed and wife Brooklyn of Stone Bluff, Oklahoma, Delanie Reed Bossier and husband Chris of Pearland, Richelyn Rae Reed and Austin Howard Reed of Houston, Chelsea Noel Turns of Cypress, Brandie Freeman Lakman of Kirkland, Washington, Darryl Keith Freeman of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Matthew Eric Drennan of Porter; as well as her six great-grandchildren, Cole and Malia Lakman, Collin and Madison Reed, Camryn Reed Bossier and Evan Drennan.

Grany Reed was loved by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends, including Douglas and John Stephens, Kaye Reed, Faye Drennan, Rosa and Lonnie Felder, Maria Arzola (husband Ezequiel) and children Joscelyn, Ezequiel and Nora, and special neighbors and friends, the Corley and the Campbell families of Dallas and the Sampa family of Katy.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Dorothy Marley, Dot Gruben, Leta Nell Stephens; two brothers Leighton Stephens and Dan Stephens; and son-in-law Delmon Turns.

Eleanor attended Anson High School and graduated from San Marcos Baptist Academy. She then worked as a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell in Waco where she met her handsome Army Air Corps husband. After marriage she worked at Chance Vought in Grand Prairie. Later in Dallas she worked as the Nursery Coordinator and was a faithful servant in their church, Cockrell Hill Baptist. Eleanor worked numerous years in various paraprofessional positions in Dallas I.S.D., concluding her career at Sunset High School.

Eleanor had a servant's heart and always put others before herself. She loved God and her greatest passion was caring for her family. Her mission was to help others and she thought of ways to "help" before one even realized their need. She loved to cook and left a legacy of handwritten recipes of the family's favorites dishes, including her infamous chicken pot pie, cinnamon rolls, banana cake and pony cookies. She was a seamstress like her mother and could make and repair anything, often designing and making her own patterns. She was the ultimate "cheerleader" at her children and grandchildren's sporting, motorcycle and dance events. In younger days she was a softball player and her favorite professional baseball team was the Astros.

Even during her greatest challenge of living with Alzheimer's during the last eight years, Eleanor taught others to be content and make the best of each situation. She always taught her children that God will never give us more than we can handle. At Silverado Cypresswood where she resided for the last two years, Eleanor was known as the one who was always smiling. Although she lost her words, she communicated vividly with her bright smile. Everyone would seek her out and know that all was well if Eleanor was smiling. The family would like to thank Maria Arzola and the staff at Silverado for the loving care that was provided to her.

Eleanor's family and in particular her husband Bob followed Eleanor's example by loving and caring for her faithfully throughout her final journey. We are certain that she is now walking and talking with God and smiling down upon us.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at Central Baptist Church, 2855 Greenhouse Rd., Houston, with Larry Maddox, Senior Pastor, officiating; arrangements made under the care and guidance of Beresford Funeral Service, Houston. Viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the funeral at 11:30 a.m. followed by interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery on I-10 at Eldridge in Houston. Pallbearers will be Rollin Reed, Austin Reed, Eric Drennan, Chris Bossier, Lonnie Felder and John Sampa. Honorary Pallbearers will be Darryl Freeman, Cole Lakman, Collin Reed, Andy Drennan, Paul Campbell and J. B. Sampa.

Memorial donations in Eleanor's name may be made to Alzheimer's Foundation of America online or at 322 Eighth Ave., 7th floor, New York, New York 10001 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family by clicking "Sign Guestbook - Provide A Tribute" below.