Gwen Reed

Gwendolyn Nell Reed, also known lovingly as “Dee” to her granddaughter and great grandson, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2019 in Kaufman. She was born January 3, 1937 in Terrell to the late Roy Winfield Sr. and Betty Simpson Webb. Gwen was met in Heaven by her parents, her beloved husband of 56 wonderful years, William Andrew (W.A.) Reed; sisters: Dorothy Wright and Vivian Monk; brother and sister-in-law, Roy Webb Jr. and Judy Webb; nephews: Thomas Ethier and Scott Webb. Gwen was raised and grew up in Terrell and attended Terrell public schools. On January 3, 1954, she married W.A. Reed and became a proud stay at home wife and mom to W.A. and her two children for many years. Always feeling that education was very important, Gwen decided to go back to school and receive her GED. She then enrolled in East Texas State University (now Texas A&M-Commerce) where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Her hard work at continuing her education allowed her to become a role model for other women who also have dreams of going back to school to achieve their higher education goals. Gwen began her career teaching at Kemp Christian Academy for one year, then transferred to Kemp ISD where she taught third grade and kindergarten for 21 years. She had a heart for all children and helping them learn the foundations of academics ensured their successes as older students and adults. Many of her students made sure to tell her later in life how much of an impact she made in their formative years. Her dedication and commitment as a teacher were well known and well respected. Gwen was a loving Christian who had a servant’s heart for her Lord and others, a dedicated wife and devoted mother. She and W.A. were faithful and active members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Terrell for many years after which they moved to First Baptist Kaufman. In 1988, she and W.A. joined Calvary Baptist Church in Kemp where they both remained very active and involved until their health began to decline. A true model of the Proverbs 31 woman who loved the Lord with all her heart, took care of her husband, children and home as well as making the world a better place, Gwen will be deeply missed by her family, church family, friends, colleagues, former students, and so many others who were fortunate to have her sweet smile and beautiful spirit in their life. Her legacy of unconditional love and always reaching higher to achieve a dream will be carried forward by her loved ones into future generations. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Airheart and husband Terry of Kemp; son, James Reed of Kaufman; granddaughter, Laura Hill and her husband Bradlee; great grandson, Austin Hill; sisters: Winnie Sutherland and Polly Webb as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends. Funeral service will be 3:00 pm, Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Kaufman Cemetery. Family will receive friends Tuesday, April 30, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Max Slayton Funerals and Cremations.

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Gwen Reed

January 3, 1937 - April 28, 2019