Jo Reed, 87

June 6, 1937 — April 22, 2025

Jo Doris Reeder Reed, 87, passed away on April 22, 2025, at her beloved Mitchell Center in Traceway. Born on June 6, 1937, in Smithville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Clarence Edward Reeder and Nevelene Redmon Reeder. A proud graduate of DeKalb County High School, Jo was both a standout basketball player and Homecoming Queen during her senior year. She continued her education at a secretarial college in Nashville, where her journey led her to meet the love of her life, Gueary Thomas “Tom” Reed, Jr. The two were married on October 5, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi, beginning a life of adventure shaped by Tom’s career as an electrical engineer.

Jo’s professional and personal journey took her to several towns across Tennessee, including Dickson, Sparta, and Martin. In each community, she made a meaningful impact—serving as church secretary at First United Methodist Church in Sparta and later working for UT Martin. In 1978, the Reed family settled in Tupelo, Mississippi, where Jo found her professional home in banking with First National Bank after a long and successful career she retired in 2003 as Branch Manager in Baldwyn. Throughout her career, Jo remained deeply involved in her community through organizations like Tupelo Rotary and Junior Civitans. Her generous spirit and love of people shone in everything she did.

A devoted member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, Jo cherished time with her family above all else—never missing a grandchild’s event and always playing an active role in their lives. She was a passionate Mississippi State fan, a joyful traveler who found delight in adventures to Italy, Arizona, Nevada, and Orlando, and someone who treasured time spent boating on Tennessee lakes with loved ones. Known for her warm presence, sharp wit, and unwavering love for her family and community, Jo leaves behind a lasting legacy of grace, strength, and service.

Jo is survived by her three children, Tamara “Tami” Reed Miles (Tony) of Tupelo, Gueary Thomas Reed, III ( Angie) of Tupelo, and David Gray Reed (Banita) of Collierville, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Dena Marie Miles, Travis Miles (Anna), Daniel Heath Mabry (Ashley), Kennedy Reed McCaskill (Mitch), and Kayce Lydia Reed; two step-grandchildren, Blaine Ledbetter (Andrew), and Chase Watson (Madison); nine great-grandchildren, Emma Grace Miles, Charlotte Miles, Kellen Mabry, Ellery Mabry, Shepard McCaskill, Dansby Ledbetter, Phoebe Ledbetter, Vivian Ledbetter, and Crew Watson; sister, Judy Carolyn Medlen; and eight nieces and nephews, Michael Medlen, Chip Medlen, Nat Medlen, Karen Fletcher, Cindy Dove, Mart Fendley, Bill Fendley, and Andy Brigham.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gueary Thomas “Tom” Reed, Jr.

Visitation will be 1:30 p.m. until service time Friday, April 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church.

Services honoring Jo’s life will be 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Butch Cook officiating. Private graveside services will follow at Tupelo Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Travis Miles, Daniel Mabry, Kellen Mabry, Mitch McCaskill, Carlton Plunk, Greg Swinney, and Andrew Ledbetter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Members of her Sunday school class at St. Luke, friends at Mitchell Center at Traceway, Jack Curtis, James Wiggins, and special friends, Adrian Harris and the late John Harris.

Memorials may be made at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Ave, Tupelo, MS 38804, and Traceway Senior Services, 2800 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

Visitation

Funeral Service