Dora Mae Reed

Evangelist Dora Mae Reed

 May the Life I Lived Speak for Me I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness 2 Timothy 4:7-8 

A Time to Be Born

 Evangelist Dora Mae Reed entered this life on February 25, 1946, to Winnie Lee Young and Edward Ruffin in Como, Mississippi. She was blessed with a kind and loving father figure, Mr. Robert Lee Young, who raised her and loved her deeply. Affectionately calling her “Sister,” he treasured her as the only girl among four brothers and later became a beloved “Paw Pawl” to her children. She was also beloved in her small community, especially by her godmother, Mrs. Fair Swauncy. 

A Time to Build 

Dora Mae grew up in Como, Mississippi, until age 14, when her life changed—she met and married William Otis Reed Sr. on May 25, 1960, and relocated to Senatobia, Mississippi. Together, they were blessed with six children and shared 51 years of marriage. One of her most cherished roles was that of mother, always seeking to help her children advance, encouraging them, and covering them in prayer, pronouncing blessings until the end of her life. In the late 1960s, the young couple moved to Blytheville, Arkansas, where they raised their family. They became homeowners in 1970, successful business and property owners, and highly respected in their community. Dora was a seeker of knowledge and a self-learner. A gifted seamstress, she could create and redesign patterns into beautiful garments—all lovingly tagged Made with Tender Loving Care by Dora Reed.

 A Time to Serve & Grow 

In 1978, Dora and William became founding members of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, where the new building they helped fund was located next door to their home. Dora served in many roles at St. Luke, including Secretary, Usher Board President, Missionary President, and Youth Director, eventually acknowledging her call into ministry. In 1999, she was ordained by her pastor, Rev. CL Donnerson. Under his leadership Minister Reed grew in the knowledge of the Word of God and was able to complete studies at The Tony Evans Biblical College in Dallas, Texas, an accomplishment she was extremely proud of. She was called upon to minister and support her pastor during Sunday evening services and also held Bible studies for young women in her home, many of whom later acknowledged their own call into ministry. 

A Time to Evangelize in Power 

As she grew in ministry, Minister Reed was led to attend and serve at Gospel Lighthouse. There she served as a Bible Study Leader and was called on to minister on a regular basis. In 2001 at Gospel Lighthouse, she began to speak at revivals within the tri-city area. Serving faithfully as an Evangelist, preaching the powerful sermons, leading souls to Christ, and moving in the Gifts of the Spirit. Evangelist Reed operated in power in demonstration with many testimonies as a result of her ministry. Her ministry was not confined to the pulpit, it was evident in her daily walk, her prayers, and her unshakable faith in God, until the very end. Although at the time of her passing, she was no longer actively preaching in the pulpit, Evangelist Reed was daily operating in her gifts with praying and uplifting loved ones on the phone with family, friends, and all those that she met along her day. She would pray, Lord, let me help someone today along their way. She always had encouraging words of life to share with others through her prophetic gift. 

A Time to Rest & Heal 

Evangelist Reed had to overcome many health challenges during her life, including being a Breast Cancer Survivor. However, her faith in God sustained her. After the passing of her husband, William, she moved to San Antonio, Texas to live near her oldest daughter Dora Jean and her family. Continuing in the faith becoming a member of Resurrection in 2013.

 A Time to Depart 

The Faith of a true Woman of God. The doctors called the family in and gave her only 48 hours to live, her faith was strong, and after a conversation with the Father, she asked him for a little more time as she felt her children still needed her, and 45 days later September 15, 2025, she peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into the presence of her Savior. While hearts grieve her loss, we celebrate her life and legacy, rejoicing in knowing that she has received her eternal reward. 

Preceded Her in Death 

Winnie Lee Young, Mother, Edward Ruffin, Father, Robert Lee Young, Daddy, Joe Ruffin, Dave Young, and Edward Young - Brothers, Bonnie Ruffin - Sister, William Otis Reed - Husband, William Leonard Reed Jr. - Son, Yzetta Reed - Daughter in Law, Sheila Reed - Daughter in Law Evangelist Reed Leaves to Cherish Memory 

Children  

Dora Jean Cullens(Nurse Practitioner, Tony) of Cibolo, TX, Winnie Vernell Johnson (Richard) of Shertz, TX, Leverne Otis Reed Sr., of Blytheville, AR, Dr. Pamela Renay Cone (Dr. Steven) of Dayton, Ohio, Sharonda Michelle Jennings (Edwin) Converse, TX. 

Grandchildren  

Dr. LaJoya Reed Shelly(Mark), Alyna Marrie Hinsch(Corey), Jasmine Raquel Wade(Jasheim), Bryson O’Bryant Reed, Leverne Otis Reed Jr., Spencer Cory Reed(Jasmine), Stephen Andreus Cone, Cedric Jarmal Kirksey, Brittney Renay Cone, Bruce Anthony(Macaela), Chelsea Mikayla Cullens, Morgan Michelle, Levin Ontarrius Reed, Richard - DJ 

Great Grandchildren 

Jaylin Wade (2006), Jalil Wade (2006), Jadynn Wade (2016), Quinn Adele Hinsch (2016), Jordynn Wade (2017), Aiden Lee James Cone (2017), Cartier Jace Williams (2018), Grace Renee Shelly (2019), Lemmy Haynes Hinsch, (2021), Zyarie Kai’Mire Reed (2023), Karter Ray Brian Claypool (2024) 

Loved Ones 

Mr. Steve Hartford - Special Friend, Host of Cousins and Friends - Blytheville, Arkansas, Neighbors (Merritt Lakeside Senior Village, and Friends