Stella Reed

Romans 6:23 (KJV)
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Stella Merle Earp Reed of Rising Star, Texas, was called home to her Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, May 20, 2017, at 8:30 A.M. at 91 years of age. Though we mourn, we celebrate her life and have joy and peace knowing that she was born again, putting her trust in Jesus. We are comforted because we know in His word that when we are absent from the body, we are present with the Lord. He is the Resurrection and the Life!

Stella was born on November 29, 1925 in Okra, Eastland County, Texas to Roland Monroe Earp and Margie Ethel Hill. Stella was the oldest sibling to Dixie Cozelle Earp (deceased), Roland Monroe Earp, Jr., and Larry Joyce Earp.

Stella married Jack Reed (deceased in1990) in 1946, in Pecos, Reeves County, Texas. They were married for 44 years. They had Connie Joe Reed Smith (deceased in 2001) and Patrick Jackson “Pat” Reed.

Stella was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. She had a quiet presence filled with dignity. She had strength of character and courage. She was filled with Godly discernment and wisdom. Stella was always ready to give a friendly word or do a thoughtful deed. She was a mainstay of the family and devoted her life to serving others quietly and cheerfully.

Stella and Jack raised their children in Rising Star, Pecos, and Odessa, Texas. While living in Odessa, Stella served as President of the Odessa Assembly No. 206 Social Order of the Beauceant in 1976 along with other Standing and Special Committees during her involvement. Stella was a teacher in Mentone, Texas for a time. She worked at the Highway Department for 31 years of service and retired.

Stella and Jack decided to come home to Rising Star to spend their retirement years being near family. In Rising Star, they enjoyed attending the First Baptist Church. After Jack passed away, Stella continued to live a quiet and content life staying busy at home until she needed additional care. She then resided at Oak Ridge Manor in Brownwood where they lovingly took care of her. Her favorite nurse was Carole and she liked to have a Snickers candy bar every once in a while.

Stella was a Godly wife and mother and taught her children about Jesus Christ. She has left a legacy of a good name and a heritage of faith. She is an example showing that God will always take care of you. She is loved.

Survivors include her son, Pat Reed, and wife, Nancy; granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Reed, and great grandson, Joshua Patrick Reed; granddaughter, Laura Reed Valenson, husband, Andrew Valenson, and great grandchildren, Jacob Andrew Valenson and Mina Elizabeth Valenson; grandson, Steven Clay Smith, and wife Barbara “Barbie;” great granddaughter, Deven Marie Smith Lee, husband, David Lee, and great great granddaughter, Addison Mei Lee; great granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Smith; great grandson, Nathanael Clay Smith; grandson, Larry Cole Smith, and great grandchildren, Parker Cole Smith and Morgan Paige Smith.

Brothers are Roland Monroe Earp “Junior,” wife Barbara; and Larry Joyce Earp, and wife Nancy.

Extended family includes Billy and Ann Blair; Judy London; Cheryl Fletcher; Susie and Doug Winters; and their families.

Friends are cordially invited to attend a visitation with the family from 10:30 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at First Baptist Church Rising Star, 306 N. Main, Rising Star, Texas. There will be a short family lunch and then the funeral services will begin at 1:00 P.M. where all are invited. Interment will immediately follow at Elm Cemetery in Okra, Eastland County, Texas.

Services are under the direction of Higginbotham Funeral Home, 309 Northeast 4th Street, Cross Plains, TX 76443-0009.

Jesus says in John 14 (KJV)
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”