Virginia Reed

    Virginia Elizabeth Toole Reed, who passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 101 years of age, was born in Lovington, New Mexico on May 21, 1917. The sixth of seven children, her parents were John and (Polly) Belle Smith Toole.  
    She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1940 and subsequently earned Masters Degrees from UT Permian Basin and UT Austin. Her first teaching job was in Ackerly.
    She married a local Ackerly boy, Buster B. Reed. They had two daughters and moved to Lamesa for their daughters’ education. Virginia became involved in Girl Scouting, teaching Sunday School, the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, and served on the local school board.  
    She and her husband moved to Monahans where she was employed as District Girl Scout Executive for a number of years. She resumed her teaching career and taught in Pecos as well as serving as a counselor. She earned two graduate degrees: one from the University of Texas, Permian Basin (MA in Counseling) and another from the University of Texas, Austin (MA).  
    Outside her career, Virginia was actively involved in her communities (Lamesa, Monahans, Pecos, and Paris). Among her varied activities, she raised funds to provide prescription lenses for immigrants, was actively involved in Habitat for Humanity projects in Paris, supported the Girl Scouts in every community, served as a hospital auxiliary volunteer and ushered in the Paris Community Theatre.
    She is survived by daughters, Sylvia Masters (Peter) and Sharon Gilliland (Leslie); grandchildren, Dian Bills (Steve), Steven (Marcus) and Paul (Jessica) Rosemergy, Aaron Bailey (Yvonne), Adrienne Payton (Aaron); great grandchildren, Jeremy Bills (Angela), Travis Bills, Austin and Avery Payton, Nicholas Bailey; and two great-great-grandchildren Emmalee and Abigail Bills. She is also survived by her nephew, John Toole III (Judith), two nieces, Virginia Manzer (Deward) and Sherralyn Bludau and their children and grandchildren.
    The family is especially thankful for the care and attention given by Nita Brazeal, Ruby Parker, and Signature Home Health that enabled Virginia to remain in her home to the end of her life.
    Friends and relatives are invited to attend a brief service followed by luncheon in the First United Methodist Church, Paris, Fellowship Hall at 11 a.m. Saturday, the 13th of April, 2019. We hope you will come and share your stories and “go and do likewise,” follow Virginia’s example to serve your community.
    In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Paris Habitat for Humanity, The Paris Public Library, and The First United Methodist Church, Paris, or the charity of your choice.
    To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
– Press-Reporter obituary services