Darlene Miller Reed, lovingly known as Mother Reed, was born January 12, 1927 in Chidester Arkansas to parents Rice and Pearlie Powell Miller.  She attended school in Rosston, Arkansas, and Langston High School in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  She married the love of her life LaColis Reed, Sr. in 1947.  To their union was born eight children. In 1952, she graduated from Hollywood Beauty College and was a self-employed licensed beautician in Hot Springs for approximately 45 years.  She and her husband also operated the café at the National Baptist Hotel for a time and both worked in various bathhouses for a number of years. Mother Reed was known for her hospitality, sense of humor, and cooking; dedication to church, her love of story-telling, family and friends.

Mother Reed accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a teenager, during a revival conducted by Elder Neut Lindsey at Crossroad. She attended the Capernaum Methodist Church in Chidester. Upon relocation to Hot Springs, Mother Reed joined White Lily Church of God in Christ (COGIC) now known as Washington Memorial COGIC, where she served faithfully for many years under the leadership of Elder Washington, Supt. J. W. Harrison, Elder Wesley Lambert and Elder Ernest Wright. She filled many roles including working with the Sunshine Band and hospitality. As a member of the Pastor's Aide, she was instrumental in making physical improvement to the church including its remodel, purchase of the central heating and air conditioning unit and the purchase the Hammond organ. Throughout her years at this church her wonderful hospitality was extended to everyone who came to Hot Springs.  She was known all over the state for her delicious "pig feet," chitterings, chicken and dressing, and pies. Whatever her hands found to do, whether singing praise and worship, speaking, or playing the piano, she gave herself totally to God's Work.

Mother Reed was licensed by the Church of God in Christ as an Evangelist while in membership at the Gospel Mission Church of God in Christ under the pastoral leadership of Elder Robert Lee Harrington. She served the Malvern District (now Hot Springs District) in the Second Jurisdiction of Arkansas as a Leader of the District of Mother's Board, also as District Sunshine Band Leader, and President of Gospel's Mission Mother Board.

In 1998, a small group of dedication believers, joined together to establish the Triumphant Temple Church of God in Christ now known as Unity Church of God in Christ. Mother Reed was one of the founders. She was instrumental in the purchase of the church serving as a Member of the Board of Trustees, Church Treasurer and Church Mother.

Mother Reed had a heart for missions.  For many years, she coordinated the Street Services, did street witnessing and operated a mission where many people accepted Christ into their lives and were filled with the Holy Ghost. Her outreach ministry spanned more than 30 years. She provided housing assistance, meals, spiritual development and emotional support to senior citizens and others in need. At age 78, Mother Reed's achievements were acknowledged by State Senator Steve Faris, Arkansas State Supervisor Mother Bernice Lambert (COGIC) and many others.

In July 2017, friends and family came together to celebrate her life and the contributions she had given unselfishly to family, friends and community.

At age 90, in the early morning hour of Thursday, January 11, 2018 in Flower Mound, Texas, Mother Reed transition from this life into glory. She had been residing in the loving home of her youngest daughter Charlotte and her husband Robert Vidler.  In her final years, she was surround by her grandchildren who she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband LaColis Reed, Sr., her four sisters Iola Bedford and Viola Jones (twin sisters), Frances Beard, Jessie Denotra Miller Ross Hughes, her brother Thomas Jefferson Miller and her twin brother Charlean "Charlie" Miller.

She is survived by her children LaColis Reed, Jr. (Sharon) of Peoria, IL, Larry E. Reed (Elizabeth) of Minneapolis, MN, Michael A. Reed (Mary) of Peoria, IL, Deborah Y. Reed of Dallas, TX, Dennis L.  Reed (Faustina) of Hayward, CA and Karen J. Reed of Atascadero, CA, Phyllis A. Reed Braggs of Hot Springs, AR and Charlotte D.  Reed Vidler (Robert) of Flower Mound, TX; one sister-in-law, Helen Green of Camden, AR; grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday January 18, 2018 at 5:00 -7:00 PM at Unity Church Of God In Christ, 200 Gardner Street. The celebration of life and legacy will be Friday,January 19, 2018, 11:00 AM at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 219 Gulpha Street, Hot Springs.  Burial will follow in Crestview Cemetery.

The family will be at 207 Ash Street, Hot Springs, AR 71901. You may contact the family at (805) 610-0426.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.