Alice Wesson Reed, who played a large role in the success of The Arab Tribune, died Monday morning May 22 after five years of dementia. She was 91.
She worked long hours with her husband, Ewell, from 1958 until 1970 doing whatever it took to establish the paper. She continued as bookkeeper until 1982.
Mrs. Reed also worked as bookkeeper for Reed Explosives, Inc., another family business founded in 1966. She assisted Ewell and her son Hal until Reed Explosives was sold to Austin Powder Company in 1991.
She was born in Attalla, Al on December 17, 1925 to Ida Lee and Henry N. Wesson and was a graduate of Albertville High School. Mrs. Reed married Ewell Henry Reed of Albertville on Christmas Day, 1945.
Mrs. Reed’s passion was collecting antiques, especially old dolls and candlesticks. She loved music and line danced until her health deteriorated. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Reed was devoted to two dogs, Sam, followed by Samantha, who were comfort to her for many years.
Mrs. Reed is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Ed and Catherine Reed, Jeff Reed, Hal and Joannie Reed; grandchildren: Stephanie Yarbrough, Leslie-Reed Johnson and Marc, Kim Reed, Taylor Reed, Shane and Felicia Mason, Dustin and Kaleigh Reed and Chasity and Doug Ware; great grandchildren: Reed Yarbrough, Ellis Yarbrough, James Ed Johnson, John Wesson Johnson, Millie and Ellie Johnson, Avery Franklin, Sam Reed, Carson Reed and Abbey and Sawyer Ware.
Burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery Thursday, May 25 at 3:00 p.m. with Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing. There will be no visitation or funeral and only a short graveside service. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great grandsons.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Arab First United Methodist Church, building fund.
