Mary  Lee  (Washington)  Reed

Mary Lee Reed, age 91 years, of Great Bend, Kansas, died on Friday afternoon, July 24, 2015 at her home.  She was born on December 31, 1923 in McGhee, Arkansas, to Frank and Mary Etta (Adams) Moffit Washington. Mary was united in marriage to Abe Reed, Sr. on December 7, 1941 in Snow Lake, Arkansas.

The family moved to Great Bend in 1946 where she was a long-time resident.  She lovingly raised 14 children and helped raise many others.  In addition to being a home-maker, Mary was an active member of First Baptist Church in Great Bend, and worked at various house-keeping positions.  In past years she worked as a kitchen helper at the Parrish Hotel and was a recess aide at Park Elementary School, both of Great Bend, Kansas.  Mary loved to cook and work in her flower garden.  She had an amazing capacity to love and welcome anyone she met. She particularly loved children, and was a mother to the whole neighborhood.

Mary is survived by six daughters; Bobbie Bradshaw (and husband, Wilburn), Jetmore KS; Varna (Bunny) Johnson, Vera Reed, Betty Underwood, Linda Johnson, all of Great Bend, Kansas; and Lannie Reed of Lewisville, Texas; five sons: Sebon Reed (and wife, Jackie), Willie Reed (and wife, Mary), and Kenneth Dale Reed all of Great Bend, KS; Tommy Reed (and wife, Lisa) of Hays, Kansas; and Abe Reed Jr. of Houston, Texas;  her niece Elizabeth Broils whom was raised in their home; 32 grandchildren, multiple great and great-great grandchildren; and a large extended family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Abe Reed, Sr. on January 23, 1988; one daughter, Stella Keith; one son-in-law, James Johnson; six grandchildren, and several great grandchildren; five siblings: Rosie Moon, Goldie Grissom, George Washington, Arthur Bailey, Jr. and  James Moffitt; one nephew James Emerson who was raised in their home.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Great Bend, Kansas with Reverend Leroy Keith officiating.  Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas.   Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, Kansas, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church or Meals On Wheels, both of Great Bend, Kansas.  Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary notice may be viewed at https://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php.

Arrangements Entrusted To

Charter Funerals

2115 Washington St.

Great Bend, KS  67530

(620) 793-6161