Laura Emma (Warren) Reed, formerly of Normal, died of a heart attack on January 10, 2018, while living in a care facility in Chandler, Arizona.
Laura was born April 12, 1942, the second of four children, in Parkin, Arkansas, to Wise D. Warren, Sr., and Addie Mae Warren. She grew up in Gary, Indiana, graduating valedictorian of Gary Roosevelt High School in 1960. She married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Reed, Jr., in 1964, in Gary, Indiana, and moved with him across the world as he dutifully served in the United States Air Force. She was an honor student at Indiana University Northwest, and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology, the first African American woman to do so.
Laura and Thomas had two children: a daughter, Joyce Lynnette, while stationed in Germany, and a son, Thomas, III, while stationed in Japan. Upon Thomas' retirement from the Air Force in 1980, the family relocated to Normal, where Laura enjoyed raising her children and attending their various artistic and athletic events. For many years, she and Tom were members of the U-High Booster Club.
Laura professed her belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, and was baptized at an early age, at Calvary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. She was deeply entrenched in community and church activities. Her devotion to Jesus Christ was evident in her love of scripture and her constant service. After becoming a member of Mt. Moriah Christian Church in Bloomington, in 2001, she and Thomas became leaders of the C.A.R.E. ministry, the 5-M Club, and worked to support adult literacy. In addition, Laura served in leadership roles within the local mental health alliance, and was an organizer of resident activities at her assisted living facility. She was loved by all who knew her.
Laura is survived by her husband of nearly 54 years, Thomas Reed, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ; her daughter, Joyce Tate (Demetrious) of Chandler, AZ; Thomas Reed, III (Lisa) of South Jordan, UT; five grandchildren: Noah Reed, Kaleb Reed, Jessica Reed, Faith Reed, and Emma Reed; and two brothers, Andrew L. Warren, Sr. (Miriam) of Gary, IN, and Wise D. Warren, Jr. (Virginia) of San Antonio, TX.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Mary L. Harris.
A "homegoing celebration" will be held for Laura on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at 11:00 AM, at East Lawn Funeral Home located at 1102 Airport Rd., Bloomington, IL. There will be a visitation prior to the service beginning at 9:00 AM. The burial and grave dedication will occur immediately following the service at East Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery at the same address.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks family and friends to contribute to their fundraiser at https://www.youcaring.com/laurareed-1072641.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
February 2, 2018
Alinda Hall
To: Tom, Tommy and Joyce
From: Albert, Alinda, Al, Ashley and Adam
We were neighbors for quite a while when our kids were growing up and going to school. Tommy and Ashley were school mates at University High. Alinda and Laura had many good times chatting as close neighbors. Laura was such a kind, friendly person who was a loyal Wife to her husband Tom and dedicated to being the very best Mom to Tommy and Joyce. They were all a very close, loving family. May God bless you Tom, Tommy and Joyce. We send you our deepest sympathies in remembrance of your Dear Wife and Mother Laura.
February 1, 2018
Richard Reed, Sr.
My Prayers are with Thomas and the family doing your time of sorrow. Always remember "God is with you and the family" We all will walk down this road. Be assured that we are never alone.
Your Cousin Richard (Ricky) Reed. Simpsonville SC
January 30, 2018
Jimmie Ezell Johnson
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family..
January 30, 2018
Roosevelt High School Class Committee
Tom and Family
The Roosevelt High School Class of 1960
Committee, send our Sympathy....
January 30, 2018
Zenobia Hodges
To the Reed and Warren Families, My Condolences. Laura was a Friend and Classmate. As A Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin,Friend,And Classmate,She Will Be Missed. May You All Be Blessed, and Have GODS Favor, Grace,Mercy,At This Time Of Your Great Loss. May HE Give You HIS Peace.
January 29, 2018
Tom and Family,
Would like to be with your family and to give our respect to
Laura; but unfortunately we are both recovering from the flu at this time.
We shared a lot over the years as being neighbors and raising our children
and had a lot of laughs and tears doing so. Laura had such a big heart and
set a good example of what a Christian woman should be. Her family will
miss her as they were always her first priority. She and Tom laid a good
foundation for their children. Jim and Paula Hargrave
January 29, 2018
Sandy Teak
I met Laura when I worked with Tom in the GTE Security Dept. I did not know her well but she was the nicest lady and had a beautiful family. Condolences to the family.
January 29, 2018
Bill Tolone
Tom,
I am sorry to hear of Laura's passing. I hope you and your family are well. Many wonderful memories of our work together in PONY baseball.
January 29, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Romans12:12
January 28, 2018
L L
January 22, 2018
elbert reed
Remembering your great love story today and always.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Feb
1
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
Feb
1
11:00 a.m.
East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
Funeral services provided by:
East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL 61704
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more