of Rison, AR

November 30, 1938 - October 3, 2024

Heaven gained another angel. Linda Joyce (Jordan) Reed, 85, of the ''Y'' Community near Rison, gained her angel wings and flew to meet her Lord and Savior on October 3, 2024 while surrounded by her children.

Linda was born on November 30, 1938 in Taylor, Arkansas to Melvin and Eva Adelle (Haynes) Jordan.

After graduating from Taylor High School in 1956, she attended Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia, AR where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Home Economics. She later furthered her education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

She began her teaching career in the Rison School District. During this season of life, she met the love of her life John T. Reed. They were married on February 3, 1961 and remained married until his passing in 2015.

Once their children arrived, Linda found a way to be a stay at home mom for as long as possible. When the time came for her to return to work, she began teaching in the Grapevine School District, where she taught elementary and volunteered for most if not all school functions. During basketball season, she could be seen working the concession stand because she loved supporting her previous students and basketball.

Linda retired from teaching after 31 years when her first grandson was born. She wanted to be available to spend time with him and to travel with her friends exploring exciting locations via bus, car or ship. Other hobbies included going shopping or out to eat with friends, traveling anywhere, playing the piano, quilting, reading, gardening, watching sports and listening to the Wildcats play football on her little AM/FM radio. Linda also enjoyed cheering on her grandsons while they played football, baseball and golf. She always had a smile on her face, especially as she rode in the golf cart, spotting balls and quietly giggling as she tried not to make too much noise or embarrass anyone.

She was a long time member of Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church where she taught the Joy Sunday School Class for many years. Linda loved her church and her church family. She attended as many services and activities as possible. She always supported her church and that support normally included making her famous Italian Cream Cake which would be auctioned for large sums to raise funds for various causes.

Linda loved the Bible and quotes. ''Don't make decisions in uncertainty, unrest or stress. God will make His will clear.'' She lived by this quote and listened carefully to God's direction throughout her life. ''For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness." Linda normally appeared happy with a pleasant personality. Some might say that she was ''feisty'' and that continued until the end as she responded to others with her quick witted comments.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 54 years and other dear family members. Linda is survived by her son, John Wesley Reed (Kelly) of Maumelle, AR; her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Reed Tate (John) of Conway, AR; her grandsons, Austin Tate (MacKenzie) of Little Rock, AR, Jacob Reed of Conway, AR, Michael Tate (Hollis) of Conway, AR; her precious great-granddaughter, Blakely Rose Tate; her sister-in-laws, Opal Kimbrell and Ann Whittington of Rison, AR and a host of other family members and friends.

Pallbearers are her son, John Wesley Reed, son-in-law, John Tate, grandsons, Austin Tate, Jacob Reed, Michael Tate and long time friend, Darran Kea. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Joy Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Rison with the Celebration of Life following with Pastor Mike Goodwin presiding. Burial will follow at Wilson Cemetery located in Rison, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund.

Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home of Little Rock, AR.

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