Johanna Hansen Reed

Johanna Hansen Reed of Memphis age 85 died at Baptist Hospital on September 3. Johanna, known to her friends and family as “Jo” was born November 15, 1926 in New Orleans, LA. At the age of 10, Jo and her family moved to Franklinton, LA where she lived until she returned to New Orleans to attend nursing school. Jo received her nursing diploma from Touro Hospital in 1949. Jo married Dr. Ralph Robert Reed on May 22, 1950 and during the course of Ralph’s training, they moved to Memphis where they have lived for over 50 years. Jo was an avid reader; she loved her New York Times and thoroughly enjoyed conversation concerning current events and her beloved New Orleans. Filled with compassion and interest in others, Jo was an advocate for women, children, those less fortunate, animals, and wildlife preservation. Whenever she first met someone, she instantly wanted to know everything about him or her.

Jo is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. Ralph Robert Reed, retired from the VA in Memphis, and her son, Matthew Robert Reed (Donna) of Memphis. Her brother, Donald Hansen of Franklinton, LA, also survives her. She also leaves two step-grandchildren, Amanda Freeman of New York City and Matthew Freeman (Laura) and their two daughters of Memphis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memphis Food Bank, www.midsouthfoodbank.org, or the Memphis Humane Society, www.memphishumane.org.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2-4 on Saturday, September 8 at the Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar.