Mary Riggs Reed

May 8, 1951 - September 21, 2020

Mary Riggs Reed passed from this life on September 21, 2020 at her home in Searcy, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Alice Riggs, her beloved in-laws, Raymond Reed and Doris Reed-Rousseau, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Riggs. Born on May 8, 1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mary graduated from Nathan Green High School in Tulsa and attended David Lipscomb University, earning her degree in elementary education. It was at David Lipscomb that she met her husband of 49 years, Albert Winston Reed. They married in 1971, and in 1979, moved to Lewisburg, Tennessee where they raised their family and lived for over 30 years. In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Mary was a dedicated educator who loved teaching children, particularly 1rst graders, who she taught for over 25 years at Marshall Elementary School in Lewisburg. She was also a life-long learner herself and earned her master's degree in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. Known as someone who always had a smile on her face, Mary enjoyed serving others. During their time in Lewisburg, Mary was an active member at Church Street Church of Christ. She was a long time Bible school teacher for the the 2 year olds class, and a regular volunteer teacher for the church's annual vacation bible school and Ladies Day. After her retirement, she and Winston moved to Searcy to be closer to their children. During her later years she enjoyed swimming, drawing, and baking chocolate chip cookies with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Winston Reed; daughter, Mary Alice (Jimmy) Brooks; son, Ryan (fiance Kayla) Reed; sister, Loretta (Frank) Daniels; brother, Harry (Cheryl) Riggs, Jr.; 5 grandchildren, Mark Brooks, Annalee Brooks, Katie - Marie Brooks, Sophie Reed and Garrett Reed as well as a host of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Sparrow's Promise - 208 East Moore Avenue - Searcy, Arkansas 72143 or Timothy Hill Children's Ranch - 298 Middle Road - Riverhead, New York 11901. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be held prior to services, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Oaklawn Memorial Gardens by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.