Rosemary Reed
Rosemary (Pearson) Reed was born, on April 25, 1935, in Albion, MI, to Edward L. and Estella Pearson. Rosemary went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 23, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Rosemary, better known as “Nonnie” to her grands, was the fifth of eight children born to Edward and Estella. Rosemary attended Albion schools and was a 1957 graduate of Albion College. Her educational career spanned 33 years of working with children and youth as a teacher and guidance counselor. Rosemary taught in Grand Rapids, MI and San Bernardino, CA, school districts before moving to Lansing, MI to marry her late husband, James Reed, in 1960. She continued her career and started a family.
Rosemary received her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance from MSU in 1962. One of her greatest joys in life was time spent with children, particularly her grandchildren. Over the years, past students would inevitably approach Rosemary share with her what a difference she made in their lives and how much of an influence she had been. That brought her so much joy to know that she made a difference in a child’s life. That was her gift.
Rosemary accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of nine. Since then she’s claimed, “I really love the Lord, what would I do without Him?”
More than anything, Rosemary loved her family and spending time with them. She also enjoyed traveling. She visited Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean islands, sailed on several cruises, toured many states, and made many road trips with friends and family. She enjoyed playing bridge (any card games), reading, sewing, and collecting bears. Rosemary was an active member of Friendship Baptist for decades. She enjoyed spending time with her church family and participating in church activities, especially her beloved Gospel Choir. She was an active member of the community. She became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in 1970. She was also a member of the Les Meres Club of Lansing and the Socialites of Lansing. She was active with the school district and served on many district-wide committees.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Estella Pearson; brothers, Charles E. (Pierre), Raymond, and Vincent; and sisters, Stella Marie and Shirley Anne. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Renee (Floyd) Jones of Lansing; son, Scott Reed of Lansing; grandchildren, Christopher Jones and Jalynn Jones of FL, Dr. Kelsie Reed of MD, Kamrin Reed of TX, and Kellen Reed of MI; sister, Deanna Brown of IL; brother, Phillip Pearson of MI; special daughter-in-love, Nancy Reed; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, caregivers, and many close friends.
The Homegoing service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Friendship Baptist Church, 2912 Pleasant Grove Rd., Lansing, MI 48910, with The Reverend Dr. Clyde D. Carnegie officiating. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. There will be family hour beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
24 Messages to “Rosemary Reed”
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Nona Carroll Brown
March 24, 2023 at 2:16 pmMy deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother, Rosemary. She was a gem, she and my mom shared some great times together. My thoughts and prayers go out you both and your families during this difficult time.
Blessings,
Ben, Nona and Ashley Brown
MalekkaMaki
March 24, 2023 at 4:11 pmOur family and Mrs. Helen Johnson wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family. She was just beautiful inside and out. Not only stylish, and had a wonderful laugh. I remember the latter part of her life and my mother knew Sis. Reed in Grand Rapids during earlier times. She had such a queen like presence, that will be remembered. God’s grace and mercy to you.
Matt 5:4 Blessed are those who mourned for they shall be comforted.
George and Malekka Maki
Faye White-Shine
March 24, 2023 at 10:57 pmPlease accept my condolences and always remember: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal…but TRUE.LOVE leaves a memory that no one can steal”. Mrs. Reed and my Mother (Mattie Foxall) were not only Club members but good friends for many many years.
Faye & Henry Shine
Katie M DooLittle
March 25, 2023 at 7:24 amI absolutely adored hearing her stories, she was such a kind woman. My sincerest condolences and my thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time.
Marilyn Meder
March 25, 2023 at 11:53 amSo sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother. I taught with Rosemary for many years until I took an early retirement. Rosemary was always so kind and gracious. A warm, friendly and Beautiful Lady inside and out. She will be Dearly missed by all who knew her.
Marilyn Shaffer Meder
Lakeland, Florida
Julie M Teed
March 25, 2023 at 4:17 pmMy sincerest condolences to Scott as well as all the family and friends of Mrs Reed. She was such a delightful personality and a kindhearted soul, I will miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Julie Davis
March 26, 2023 at 6:38 pmMy sincere condolences in the loss of Ms. Rosemary. She will always be in the hearts that she touched. I hope that as time goes by the healing of her passing will get easier. To the whole family I send my prayers and love.
Deborah Sudduth
March 27, 2023 at 9:05 amMy sincere condolences and prayers in the passing of your beloved mother, Mrs. Rosemary Reed. She was such a gentle and loving woman of God. I will miss her from Friendship Baptist Church. Sister Reed always greeted me with a smile. Hold her in your hearts forever and I know she is holding all of you in heart in Heaven.
Michelle Smith
March 27, 2023 at 12:51 pmMy heartfelt condolences to the Reed family. Both Mr & Mrs Reed treated my brother and I as one of their own. Her loving spirit will never be forgotten! Rest well beautiful lady.
Peggy Brown
March 27, 2023 at 2:10 pmRenee
I am praying God will comfort, strengthen and surround you and your family during this time. I see where you got your love for travel
Remember memories will last forever.
Karen Sturdivant
March 27, 2023 at 3:16 pmElders Rene and Floyd. What a privilege to be related by biology and marriage to this phenomenal woman. Blessed was she to have been cared for so lovingly by her family and friends in her waning days. Your sacrifices will no go un honored by the God she so vibrantly served. My heart is broken for your earthly loss- but I am supremely confident in your Mothers eternal life!
Cheryl Thompson Williams
March 27, 2023 at 7:57 pmMy heart is saddened by news of my dear friend’s passing. I offer my deepest condolences to Rene, Scott, the entire family as well as my Friendship Baptist Church family. I still claim Friendship as my church, even after all these years. I am praying for God’s love, peace, comfort, and grace to surround you. Rosemary will always have a special place in my heart! She will never be forgotten. For, you can never forget someone who has given you so much to remember. May we all live our lives so we may see that warm smile again. This is just a temporary separation. We look forward to that great reunion in the sky.
Mark Watts
March 27, 2023 at 8:41 pmPrayers to the Reed Family as I’m so so Sorry.. Condolences & May The Good Lord Comfort you ALL In this time of Grieving.
Angela Warr McGowan
March 27, 2023 at 9:34 pmMy deepest condolences to Renee and Scott and the entire Reed family. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful mother. May you find strength and peace during this time. The Warr family will keep you in our prayers
Natalie Mumford
March 27, 2023 at 10:20 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. I’m saddened to hear this news.
Martha Hudson
March 28, 2023 at 11:31 amMy heartfelt condolences goes out to the family. I met Rosemary when I started my teaching career. At Harley Franks Elementary she was the guidance counselor. She had a big influence on me, the way she carried herself, always pleasant, and willingness to be helpful.
We had many conversations that I will always treasure. I always appreciated her sense of humor. Rest in peace my friend.
Martha Delaney Hudson
Elva Rosenthal
March 28, 2023 at 1:46 pmMy prayers and condolences are with the family. She was a very caring and loving woman.
Patricia Bracy
March 28, 2023 at 3:34 pmRenee and Scotty my heartfelt condolences goes out to the both of you. I was numb when I heard the news. Losing someone you love is like losing a part of yourself. You miss them and you miss who you were with them. Nothing will ever replace that. But hopefully, every time you share a memory, recall a moment of laughter or find yourself doing something that reminds you of the times you spent together, you’ll feel that part of you again. Hoping you will one day find comfort in the remembering.
I will remember and cherish the conversation we had, although they were brief, they ment a lot to me. She was an important person in my life.
Surae Eaton Sangster
March 29, 2023 at 10:05 amRenee and Scott I am sadden to hear of Rosemary’s passing. However, it brings me joy to reflect on the life she lived. She was a beautiful person inside and out and was a bright light to those that crossed her path either in her professional or personal life. I am proud to call her my cousin and honored to have been her physician for so many years.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
2 Timothy 4:7
Jean
March 29, 2023 at 9:39 pmDear Renee’ & Floyd, Scott, Nancy & Family: A life well-lived with love, happiness and God’s favor and blessings represents your dear Mom. My visits with Jim, “DJ” and Rosemary still makes me smile. Our trips, lunches, dinners, singing in the choir, and just being together will remain in my heart. She will be remembered as one of my “sisters.” May your memories with her, and the love shared sustain you as you work through your grief. We extend our most sincere condolence. Davis-Fluker Family
The Riddle Family
March 30, 2023 at 12:05 pmRenee, Scott, and family, our sincerest condolences to you and your family. We’re so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Sending love, hugs and prayers.
The Riddle Family (Ralph Jr., Anita, and Natalie)
Brooke Cardwell Franklin
March 30, 2023 at 7:23 pmScott and Renee,
So very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. May she rest in peace and her memories live on forever.
Sending thoughts and hugs your way.
Brooke Cardwell Franklin
jerell L shepherd
April 2, 2023 at 9:01 pmMy heart goes. Out to the reed family at this time
Ruth Holland Scott
July 26, 2023 at 9:46 amRosemary and I grew up together in Albion, Michigan less than a block away from each other. We shared our teen age growing up pains together going to football games and meeting at West Ward play ground. We both went to Albion College. I graduated ahead of her and went off to Cleveland, Ohio. We enjoyed meeting again before covid when I was at a family reunion in Lansing. We shared three wonderful days together, (my husband Bill and I) talking about old times, sharing stories about family and mutual friends old and new. That time was a blessing to me and I am thankful to our Lord and Savior for his mercy and our mutual relationship in Christ Jesus. I pray that the family is healing from this loss. Sorry I did not know about it until last week. July24,2023. I am sure Rosemary shared with you many special times and advice which will make your journey a blessed one and that we will reunite in heaven. I just finished my second book Raising Confident Children and am sure some of my ideas came from Rosemary. There is a picture in which she is included in my first book The Circles God Draws.