Francis Jean Reed

Sunrise                                                                                    Sunset
October 24, 1952                                                            September 6th, 2024

Francis Jean Reed was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Eugene Reed and Larsie Lee Morgan on October 24, 1952. She was the first born and had a sister, Marydine Reed who proceeded her in death. She also has a brother, Maverick S. Green, of St. Louis.

Francis was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools. She graduated from Ashland Elementary on June 17, 1966, and went on to attend Beaumont High School. On December 6, 1968 of her sophomore year, she became mother to her only child, Corey Eugene Reed. She continued her education, and graduated with her classmates on June 12, 1970.

To say Francis was a very enthusiastic learner is an understatement. She attended the Forest Park Community College School of Nursing, earning her Certificate as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and then a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Deaconess School of Nursing.

She joined the Alpha Delta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, in 1973. She was also a Charter Member of the Eta Mu Sigma Graduate Chapter. Francis also enrolled at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (SIUE) where she earned a Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Speech Communication.

Known for her strength, determination, passion for educating others and deep commitment to community service, she did not stop! Starting as an active football mom in 1983, Ms. Reed was the first Cheerleader Moderator (Coach) along with Ms. Diane Smoot at Cardinal Ritter College Prep for many years.

Francis Reed’s interests and talents were varied. When she was interested in a particular topic or subject, she worked hard and studied. She obtained her Operator’s License and Instructor’s License in Cosmetology, from the United Artist Beauty School. Passionate about faith and teaching, she continued her education and earned her Doctoral degree in Theological Studies from the Cohen Institute, which led to her being ordained to preach the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Professor Reed worshipped at Straightway Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Manfret McGhee in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Professor Francis Jean Reed departed this life, after several battles with breast cancer on September 6, 2024 at 1:58 p.m. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving son Corey Eugene Reed, brother Maverick S. Green, her church family, many God placed sisters, brothers and children in Christ, medical professionals, doctors, sorority sisters, and a host of family, friends and relatives, far too many to name.

Order of Service  11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Greetings & Photo Viewing

Words from Dr. Kathy Wallbacker

Words from Pastor Manfret McGhee of Straightway Baptist Church, East St. Louis, IL.

Words from childhood friend and Pastor Stephen Ray Vasser,

Compton Hill Missionary Baptist Church, St. Louis, MO.

Words of Tribute and Gratitude from Corey Eugene Reed (Son)

Footprints

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”

Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:
He that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, He that keepeth Israel
shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is thy keeper:
the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil:
He shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth,
and even for evermore….In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Acknowledgments

Please accept my deepest and sincere appreciation for all who have touched my life during this time of bereavement. I thank you with all that is in me for your support, kindness, humor and love. It truly takes a village, and I have definitely been blessed to have you all as my villagers for support. May the LORD grant you His peace and blessings, in Jesus’ name. Amen

Repast

Immediately Following:

The Omega Center

3900 Goodfellow Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63120

Professional Services Entrusted to:

St. Louis Cremation

2135 Chouteau Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63103

St.LouisCremation.com