Ruth Geneva Adams Reed left her earthly home on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the age of 89, at Agape Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility after battling one illness after another throughout this year.
She was born to the late Perry Adams and Helen Garber Adams, in Knoxville, Tenn., where she lived until moving to Johnson City, Tenn., where she had lived for the past 69 years with her loving and devoted husband, James “Jim” Edgar Reed.
Ruth was a graduate of Lenoir City High School and after moving to Johnson City began working at Burlington Mills where she met her future husband, Jim. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Baltimore, Md., for work, then when Jim left to serve his country during the Korean Conflict, Ruth returned to Johnson City. Following Jim’s return stateside they began working together at Sperry Corp., which later became the Raytheon Corp. in Bristol. Once Ruth found out she was going to be a mother of her two daughters, she quit her job at Raytheon to be a full-time homemaker — a most high calling of which she excelled greatly. As the years passed and the children were school-age Ruth worked as a secretary at her church, Pinecrest Baptist, in Johnson City. Following that, she continued in secretarial/office work for Hugh Gaddis, architect, and Tom Dosser Transfer Co.
She was also a faithful worker and teacher in her church for all the years she physically could serve. She loved her Lord, her husband, her children, and her church family. She touched many lives and was loved by all. Her legacy in faith will continue throughout eternity.
She was preceded in death by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Paul Dean Adams (wife Fran) and Robert “Bob” Eugene Adams (wife Dovie), and a brother-in-law, Wayne Hartzog.
Those left to cherish her memory are her devoted and loving husband, James “Jim” Edgar Reed, of 69 years; three sisters, Grace Hartzog, Mary Nelle Schean (husband Junior), and Jean Webber (husband Henry); two daughters, Carol Ann Reed Church (husband Gary Lee Church) and Debra Jean Reed Church (husband Harry A. “Skip” Church); three granddaughters, Leslie Church, Tiffany Cook (Tony) and Haley Lingerfelt (Devin); and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to the wonderful nursing staff at Johnson City Medical Center, NHC Rehabilitation, Broadmore Senior Living, and Agape Nursing and Rehabilitation who worked tirelessly caring for her. Many blessings to you all.
The family of Ruth Reed will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 11, in the Morris-Baker Dogwood Chapel. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Ron Owens officiating and music by her sister, Mary Nelle Schean, niece, Peggy Williams, and granddaughter, Haley Lingerfelt. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 12, at Monte Vista Memorial Park with Rev. Mike Garland officiating. Active pallbearers will be Jeff Reed, Tony Cook, Devin Lingerfelt, Harvey Norris, Mark Newman and Scott Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Church and the men of Pinecrest Baptist Church. Ministers, family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home by 12:15 p.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pinecrest Baptist Church, 2129 Old Lewis Road, Johnson City, TN 37601 or UPBC Worship Center Building Fund, 219 University Parkway, Johnson City, TN 37604. Memories and condolences may be sent to the Reed family via www.morrisbaker.com
Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, is serving the Reed family.