LYNCHBURG, Jan. 21 – Irene Simmons Reed, 73, of Lynchburg, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2010 from leukemia. She was born September 24, 1936 in Farmville, a daughter of Stella Lambert Simmons and the late Daniel Earl Simmons.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 50 years, Joseph H. Reed; two daughters, Dolores Reed Little and husband, David of Norfolk and Catherine Reed Kuliesh of Lynchburg; sister, Ann Lawson and husband, David of Lynchburg; three granddaughters, Katie, Claire, and Anne Kuliesh; a nephew, Joshua Lawson and a niece, Jessica Lawson.

Mrs. Reed graduated from Longwood College in 1958 and embarked on a 35 year teaching career, retiring in 1998 from the Lynchburg School System. She was active in the local community, serving as a member of the Woman's Club of Lynchburg, the Virginia Education Association, and Centenary United Methodist Church. She was a great southern cook, an avid bridge player, the best grand-mother ever, and an enthusiastic and knowledgeable traveler who enjoyed spending as much time as possible at her beloved vacation home in Holden Beach, NC. She made friends wherever she went and kept them for a lifetime.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Centenary United Methodist Church by the Rev. Richard Ecklund and the Rev. C. Douglas Pillow. The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.

The family requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 1501 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503; the Educational Endowment Fund of the Woman's Club of Lynchburg, PO Box 4261, Lynchburg, VA 24502; Paul Monroe Elementary School, 4641 Locksview Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24503; or Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 11333, Lynchburg, VA 24506.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com