Obituary of Mary Frances Reed

MRS. MARY FRANCES OLDHAM REED, age 87, of Lafayette, Tennessee and formerly of Gallatin, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Knollwood Manor in Lafayette. Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Frances Oldham Reed were conducted Saturday, 2:00 p.m. from the chapel of the Alexander Funeral Home with Elder Jeff Blackwell and Elder Guthrie Thompson officiating. Jacob White and Connor Johnson served as Honorary Pallbearers. Michael Johnson, David Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Kyle Brooks, Derrick Deering, and Jonathan Coley served as Active Pallbearers. Interment followed in the Sumner Memorial Gardens. On August 22, 1924, Mary Frances Oldham was born in Sumner County, Tennessee to the late Art Oldham and Sis Thompson Oldham. She was one of seven siblings born to this union. Frances was married on June 7, 1947 to her sweetheart Lawson Wright Reed. They shared fifty-five years together and raised two daughters, Brenda and "Libby". Wright preceded her in death on February 24, 2003. Besides her husband and parents; grandson, Randall McDougal, great-granddaughter, Ashley Johnson, brothers, H.G. Oldham, and Willie Oldham, and sisters, Claris Jackson, Lillie Wypa, and Ruby Oldham also preceded her in death. She worked as a seamstress for some of the local garment factories a few years. But mainly, Frances dedicated her life to her husband, children, and her precious grandchildren. She was a great cook and enjoyed taking care of her home. Seldom a day went by that Frances wasn't with her children, whether it be at home or on the road. Frances loved spending time traveling with her family; making several trips to Washington. If the car cranked, Frances was ready to travel. Her hobby was piecing quilts and Frances had made several beautiful quilts in her life time. She was saved and a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Frances and Wright made friends with a little dog named "Tiny"; he was their pride and joy. Tiny helped fill an empty void after Wright passed away. Tiny was always by Frances's side, even at night time when he would make his way to her bed. Frances will be greatly missed by her loving family, close friends, and Tiny. She is survived by: Daughters, Brenda (Johnny) Coley of Lafayette, TN, and Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Draper of Springfield, TN, Sister, Wilma (Charles) Taylor of Gallatin, TN, Grandchildren, Michael Johnson, Connie Johnson, David Johnson, Derrick Deering, Shelia White, Rhonda McDougal, Gay McDougal, and Jonathan Coley, twenty Great-grandchildren, and one Great-great-grandchild. Alexander Funeral Home, Directors, in charge of arrangements. (615)666-2189 or www.alexanderfh.com