Carla Jean Reed

Carla Jean Reed was born on August 14, 1963 in Redwood City, California as the third child to the union of Henry and Betty Reed. Carla was a dedicated daughter and never left her mother’s side after her father’s passing.

Carla, or Tunzie as she was affectionately called, was raised in Menlo Park, California. She was a life-long member of Stewart Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Redwood City, California. Carla was educated in Menlo Park where she graduated from Menlo Atherton High School in 1981. She continued her education at the University of Tuskegee in Alabama, where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Business and Clothing Related Arts in 1986. Carla was recognized in Essence Magazine as the dress designer of Miss Tuskegee University in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Home Coming Queen Edition.

Carla began her employment with the County of San Mateo, where she retired as an Accounting Resource Specialist after 20 years of service. After retirement, Carla returned to work at the Oakland Community Center where she taught weekly sewing classes to the senior citizens in the community. Carla found a new passion in the form of cooking. Each holiday was a special event as family and friends anticipated her wonderful creative dishes and special desserts. She enjoyed sewing, arts & crafts, shopping, and clothing design.

Carla’s laughter and love for having a good time will be missed. Her event coordination and culinary expertise will never be matched. Carla had an impact on the lives of many children. Carla touched the lives of many that she met in a very special way and left an impression they would never forget. She was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone who was in need. Carla brought out the best in people with her gentle ways and sense of humor.

Carla was committed to her family. Carla adored her only niece Amber and nephews Sedric, Avery, and Jeffery, Jr.. She found a special joy in making the latest fashions and halloween costumes for them as they grew up.

Carla leaves to cherish her memory: her loving mother Betty Reed of Turlock, CA; two sisters: Frankie Drake of Menlo Park, CA and Cathy Ziegler of Oakland, CA; two brothers: Jeffrey Reed Sr. of Turlock, CA and Christian Jackson of Berkeley, CA; one sister-in-law: Cynthia Reed of Turlock, CA; one brother-in-law: Stanley Drake of Menlo Park, CA; one niece: Amber Reed

of Turlock, CA; three nephews: Sedric and Avery Drake of Menlo Park, CA and Jeffrey Reed J.R of Turlock, CA; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

Services:

Funeral Service; 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 12, 2013, at University A.M.E. Zion Church, 3549 Middlefield Rd.., Palo Alto, California.

Burial; 1:00 PM, Friday, December 13, 2013 at Lakewood Memorial Park, Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, California.

Service under direction of Whitehurst, Norton & Dias Funeral Services, 286 West Main St., Turlock, CA. www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com