Mrs. Irene Reed, 85 of Crossett, AR died Friday, July 29, 2011 at the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock. She was a native of Lexington, MS, had formerly resided in Helena, AR and Memphis, TN, but was a Crossett resident for the past 56 years. She was a retired school teacher for the Crossett School District and a member of First Baptist Church on Florida St.

Mrs. Reed was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Nathaniel "Beby" Reed, a daughter, Linda Reed Pierce and her parents: Otha & Elena Westbrook Wright. She taught in the Crossett School District for over 40 years. Upon retiring she continued to substitute teach and also worked with the Ashley Memorial Ladies Auxiliary. She was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Irene had a passion for cooking and sewing, at one point in her career, she taught Home Economics. She was considered a "community mom" and helped raise many children.

She is survived by two sons: Mickey Reed of Crossett, AR, John "Butch" Taylor, wife Lynette of Youngstown, OH, one son-in-law, Don Pierce of Hampton, CA, two daughters: Natalie (Larry) Reed of Crossett, AR, Eva Carol Stephens, husband James of Indianola, MS, four god-children: Cassandra Green, husband Roderick of Crossett, AR, Leslie Mosley of Crossett, AR, Tracey Walker of Jonesboro, AR and Chad Mosley of Dallas, TX, seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a host of other neices, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral services are Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church on Florida St., with Rev. Curtis Jackson, officiating. Pallbearers are Mario Moore, Derwin Pendarvis, Justin Martin, Carnell Harper, Jr., Warren Washington and Charles Johnson. Honorary pallbearers Blue Buck Deer Club Members, Marshall B. Williams, Clarence B. Johnson, Raymond H. Johnson and Sherman R. Johnson. Visitation will be Friday, August 5, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Cromwell Funeral Home. Burial in Westview Cemetery under the directions of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg, AR.