Mary Anne Paugh Reed

Mary Anne Paugh Reed was born on December 20, 1946 to Russell and Barbara (Powers) Paugh in Weston, WV. She is survived by husband James R. (Bob) Reed; daughter Paula Reed Freeman, (son-in-law Dave Freeman, and grandsons Jeremy and Joshua) of De Land, Florida; son Christopher Reed, (daughter-in-law Michelle Reed, and grandsons Jacob and Justin) of Archer Lodge, NC; brother Robert E (Bob) Paugh, (sister-in-law Nancy Paugh) of Clarksville TN; sister-in-law Doris (Reed) Bee (brother-in-law Fred Bee of Killeen TX; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father.

Mary graduated from Weston High School in 1964, and was a Charter Member of the West Virginia 4H Club at the age of 14. After graduation she worked several years at the local laundry and cleaners. She married the love of her life, James R. (Bob) Reed on December 27, 1968, and recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with a wonderful cruise to Hawaii. Together they raised 2 children, Paula Reed Freeman and Christopher Reed.

For over 20 years she was a military wife with 2 children, and followed her husband to many states and overseas assignments. Upon her husband’s retirement from the US Army, Mary started working for Cumberland County Schools as a library volunteer, Media Assistant Clerk at C. Wayne Collier and Honeycutt Elementary school. Mary finished her career with the Cumberland County Schools at the Educational Resource Center and retired in May 2005. She was also a member of the Appearance Committee for Hope Mills for many years, helping with both gazebos and lake front decorations, planting shrubs and flowers and even helped distribute hot chocolate and cookies after Hope Mills parades. She was a member of Cumberland UMC beginning in 1981 and held many positions within the church. Mary enjoyed ushering at the Crown Coliseum complex, participating in church events, TOPS functions and traveling.

Mary was instrumental in the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) organization beginning as a member in 1978. During this time she held the positions of Chapter Leader, Weight Recorder, and Secretary of her local chapter NC 390, Fayetteville. She accepted the position of Area Captain, followed by Coordinator for NC, and finally Regional Director for 7 southern states, where she was responsible for over 10,000 members. Mary truly loved TOPS, the members, and what the organization represents.

Mary was a dedicated wife, a steadfast friend, a loving mother, and her absence will be felt by many.

Donations to honor Mary can be made to Cumberland United Methodist Church’s Music Ministry, 2262 George Owen Rd, Fayetteville NC 28306