Gloria Heloise Chapman Reed

Gloria was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on January 9, 1929, to Bill and Heloise Chapman. She grew up in her home across the street from Battlefield Park in south Jackson with her mom and grandparents, and often spoke of precious times spent playing in that park as a young girl and then spending many hours playing tennis there as a teenager. “It was the best and happiest life a child could ever dream of!” she said. Gloria also loved to sing, and as a child, she, along with her cousin, Delores, and a friend in the neighborhood, created a singing group, “The Swing Sisters”. With her mother, Heloise, at the piano, they performed at talent shows and the Kiddie Matinee in downtown Jackson. She was a 1947 graduate of Jackson Central High School.

Gloria was a devoted wife to her husband of 69 years, Dick Reed, a wonderful mother to her four children, and a loving and fun “Grandmama” to her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She was an outstanding cook, an avid shopper, (much to Mr. Reed’s dismay), but more than anything, she loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s school events, especially ballgames. During basketball and baseball season you could always find her at the games cheering them on!

Gloria’s faith in God was strong and evident in every aspect of her life. She was a faithful member of Griffith Memorial Baptist Church, serving on the kitchen committee, helping with Vacation Bible School, enjoying Bible study in her Sunday School class, and singing in the church choir.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Reed, and her parents, Bill and Heloise Chapman. She is survived by her children, Cindy Reed Schwartz, David Reed (Donna), Roger Reed, Paul Reed, and, six grandchildren: Neil Schwartz, Chris Reed (Melanie), Brett Reed (Blair), Jake Reed, Cody Reed, and Hunter Reed. She also leaves behind three precious great grandchildren: Wyatt Reed, Chapman Reed, and Collin Reed.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM,

with funeral services to follow in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Griffith Memorial Baptist Church, 5275 Terry Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39212.