Mabel Louise Reed

Mabel Louise Trantham Reed (Lou), age 92, passed away peacefully in Gulfport, Mississippi, on December 31, 2024. She was born to Florence and Milton on January 13, 1932, in Belzoni, Mississippi. She attended Belzoni High School where she was a majorette. Afterwards, she went to Ole Miss where she met the love of her life, Jack Reed. In 1951, she married Jack, who could handle her strong-willed nature with equal parts patience and charm. Their 67-year marriage was a testament to partnership, humor, and love, taking them from the bright lights of New York and New Jersey (while Jack played for the Yankees) to the warmth of Mississippi, where they raised four children and created a lifetime of memories. 

Lou and Jack never missed an opportunity to fellowship with friends and family. Whether hosting porch parties at their home or other family member’s homes in Silver City, attending Ole Miss football games, hitting the golf course, or savoring a glass of wine at happy hour, they made connecting with others a cornerstone of their life.

Lou made staying active and polished an art form. She never missed the gym well into her later years—or a hair appointment, for that matter. Lou didn’t believe in leaving the house, or letting others leave the house, looking anything less than their best (that included lipstick)—and it was always for their own good!

She spent her last years at Indywood in Indianola, Mississippi, followed by Summerfield Senior Living in Gulfport, Mississippi. During her time at Indywood, she formed a deep personal connection with Ms. Frances Reid, and at Summerfield, she bonded closely with Ms Johnnie Sue Gaddis. Both friendships ensured her lively spirit never dimmed.

Lou was equal parts direct and endearing, always holding herself and others to high standards. Without a doubt she proved that discipline and dedication were among her superpowers. Her faith and family served as her compass throughout her remarkable life. A devoted member of Silver City Methodist Church, Lou’s enduring legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of her loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Milton Trantham, and her beloved husband, Jack. She leaves behind a family who will forever admire her tenacity, humor, and impeccable hair, as well as countless friends who will always toast her memory with a smile (and perhaps a glass of wine).

She is survived by children John Burwell Reed, Jr. (Deidre) of Houston, TX, Gai Reed Millwood (Johnny) of Petal, Ms., Roy Anne Reed Beckham (Don) of Houston, TX and Swayze Reed Collier (Robert) of Biloxi, MS, as well as grandchildren Swayze Reed White (Cade) of Houston, TX, Drew Millwood (Katie) of Dumas, MS., Dustin Millwood (Shannon) of Petal, MS., Reed Millwood of Panama City, FL, Alex Beckham of Houston, TX, Sydney Beckham of Austin, TX, Madison Collier Grace(Owen) of Brandon, MS., Margaret Goodwyn Bankston of Oxford, MS., and Jake Collier of Biloxi, Ms. She is also survived by great grandchildren Hallie White, Eloise White, Johnny Millwood, Beau Millwood, Lydia Millwood, Skylar Millwood, Avery Grace, Smith Grace, and Daniel Bankston and her beloved nieces and nephews.

The Family would like to especially thank the people who helped with Lou’s care and who were all so very important in her life-her nephew Jim Reed, her nephew Hal Bridges and his wife Beth, her niece Hallie Gail Crook and her husband Noel, Kay Carver and Terrie Ann Williams-Frizell. In addition, the Family would like to thank Sandy, Susan and Jamie at Summerfield Senior living and the staff at Gentiva Hospice for their kind and loving care.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11th, at 11:00 am at the Silver City Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Silver City Methodist Church, a place that brought Lou immense joy and purpose.

Riemann Family Funeral Homes, Gulfport, in honored to serve the family.