Jill Webster Reed

Julia “Jill” (Webster) Reed passed away on December 6, 2024. She was born on April 28, 1948 in Fort Collins, Colorado to Dr. Charles and Joyce (Spencer) Webster Jr. She grew up in Roswell, New Mexico and was a proud member of the Roswell class of ‘66. After high school she attended the University of Tulsa. At TU, Jill received a degree in elementary education and sang in the modern choir. On a choir tour to New York City, she met her husband, Harold Dean Reed, Jr. and they married in August, 1969.

Early in their marriage, Harold served in the US Air Force. The couple lived briefly in Biloxi, MS and then Misawa, Japan where their son Tucker was born. Jill relished their time in Japan. She tutored local school children, served as a mentor for other Air Force wives, and formed lifelong friendships. In 1974, they returned to Tulsa and in 1976, their daughter Anne was born. They remained in Tulsa for the next 15 years.

Jill was a dedicated, caring stay at home mother to Tucker and Anne. No matter where she lived, Jill employed her eye for design and endless creativity to create a beautiful home where family, friends, and even strangers were always welcome. Jill loved hosting elaborate birthday parties, bridge group, sleepovers, dinner parties, holiday gatherings and more. Friends were so inspired by Jill’s home, they often asked her to help them decorate their own homes. Long before it was mainstream, Jill believed in using what you have and either repainting or repurposing it. Jill’s home was also filled with the intoxicating smells of her delicious home cooked meals. Never one to use a recipe, she took great joy in nourishing her family. Some of her family’s favorite dishes were Jill’s pot roast, potato soup and popcorn, and scalloped potatoes, which her children will likely spend the rest of their lives trying to (and failing) to perfect.

From PTA to home room parties, helping Harold run and get elected to the school board, and serving as middle school dance chaperones, Jill was a constant presence at her children’s school. Her green thumb, which she would pass on to her son Tucker, led her to the Tulsa garden club where she was an active member in the 1980s.

In 1989, Harold’s job moved the family from Tulsa to DFW and they settled in Hurst, Texas. With a seemingly endless supply of energy, Jill once again went to work on making a home, serving in her children’s schools, and investing in herself and her community. Through organizations such as Welcome Wagon, Project Graduation, the First Miniature Guild of Ft. Worth and more, she found friendship and purpose.

Jill was always up for an adventure and she and Harold enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. Her favorite trips were a special Valentine’s Day spent in Paris, France, as well as other extensive journeys through Maine, Vermont, Prince Edward Island, the southern and eastern United States, England, France, Ireland, and Wales. They also traveled throughout China.

Perhaps Jill’s greatest joy were her six granddaughters. Known as GiGi, it was a role she cherished. Even when her daughter and son in-law and four oldest granddaughters lived in China for six years, Jill traveled there six times and often stayed for weeks. She didn’t want to miss a moment! She wasn’t the grandmother that baked with them, but instead she made fairy gardens with them and surprised them with pink sand in the sandbox.

Jill retained her outgoing personality and love for her family throughout her many years of decline due to dementia. She was well cared for by the wonderful staff at Brookdale Oak Hollow, in Bedford, Texas.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Harold Reed, and her children, Tucker (Rebecca) Reed and Anne (Scott) Richardson. Jill also leaves behind six granddaughters: Juliet, Lillian “Lillie”, Mary Claire, Charlotte, and Eloise Richardson and Penelope Reed, as well as her sister, Paige Webster (Richard Van Sickle) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family is grateful to the staff at Brookdale Oak Hollow and Magnolia Hospice for their care and support. Those wishing to honor Jill are encouraged to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association or Dementia Society of America.