Barbara Reed

Barbara Jean "BJ" Reed was born November 22, 1948 in Bessemer, Alabama. She was the child of the late Elizabeth Reed and Elijah Harris. On Sunday February 22, 2015 the angel of the Lord ushered Barbara peacefully into the arms of Jesus. Barbara was educated at Dunbar Elementary School and J.S. Abrams High School in Bessemer Alabama. She attended several accredited schools for nursing assignments. She also held several positions at the University of Alabama Hospital, Montclair Hospital Alabama, Eaton control in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Queens College in Flushing, New York, and Service Merchandise Inc. of Alabama. Barbara joined Rush Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Jamaica New York on September 23, 1990 under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Eldridge Gittens. She served on the Gospel Chorus, Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society working with "The Hot Lunch For The Needy" Program, and as Sexton of the Church. In 1998 Barbara returned to Bessemer, Alabama to help with the care of her mother and to enjoy the warmer climate. Barbara had a zest for life and was a people person. She truly enjoyed Bible Study and her missionary work especially visiting the sick. She was an exceptionally good cook and loved preparing big dinners and invited everyone to eat. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth Reed and brother Michael Reed. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Anthony Reed and Cassandra Woods (Rasheem) and Gregory Mitchell; one sister, Joyce Elizabeth Reed; one brother, Jeffery Reed (Vanessa); grandchildren, DeAundre Turner, Rosalyn Griffin, Ashley Reed, Camarie Green and Kihana Andrews; five great-grand; two nieces, Shardai Reed and Elizabeth Heath; one nephew, Vincent Mitchell and a loving family of cousins and friends.