Mary “Theresa” Gardener Reed, age 90, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024 at her home following an extended illness. She was born in Houston, Texas on February 23, 1934 to the late Lee Sr. and Lena Dechario Gardener. Theresa worked as a librarian for nearly 30 years. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. Some of her favorite things were playing dominos, crocheting doilies and scrubbies for neighbors and friends, watching westerns, gardening and all kinds of flowers.
When she moved to Tennessee from Texas, she learned to “can” vegetables and began canning EVERYTHING according to her family. And, she was a great cook! Over many years, Theresa owned several beloved dogs – Buddy, Abby and Bailey – and they most certainly greeted her when she arrived in Heaven. She loved going to church and how wonderful she felt after attending.
Theresa is preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Lena Gardener; son, Roy Reed, husband of 66 years, William Edward “Ed” Reed, a brother, Lee Gardener, Jr.; step-father, Jesse “Pinkie” Clifton; and a great grandson, Myca Duncan. She is survived by a son, Dwight E (Delia) Reed, Barren Plains, TN and a daughter, Sondra Reed Matthews (Roger Alff) Hendersonville, TN. She was blessed to have 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and her precious puppy dog, Coco.
Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Oakland UMC in Adairville, Kentucky with Clay Burchett officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 11 am to the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Run Cemetery in Russellville, Kentucky. Active pallbearers will be Landon Matthews, Jarrett Reed, Bradley Rogers, Jeremy Rogers, Hunter Duncan and Jacob Head. Honorary pallbearers are her nephews, Holden Reed, Josh Randall Reed, Vince Hand, Trent Hand and Charles Ray, Keith Wilson and Kelly Wilson; friends, Steve Collier, Larry Chatman, James Chatman and Mike Cobb.
The family has requested donations in Theresa’s memory to Pleasant Run Cemetery Fund c/o Joyce Wilson, 2860 Jim Sawyers Road, Russellville, KY 42276, Oakdale UMC, 492 Dot Road, Adairville, KY 42202 or the Alzheimer’s Association. Any donations may be sent in c/o Austin & Bell.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.
