Telfair Reed

Telfair Reed was born June 16,1936 in Grenada Mississippi, to Willie and A.W Reed. He passed away peacefully on Friday, July 2, 2021 in Joliet, Illinois. 

Telfair. affectionately known as, “Bull” attended Holcomb School in Holcomb, Mississippi. Telfair met and married the love of his life, his Queen, Mamie R. Bew. They were married 65 years and were blessed with three children, Bobbie Earl, Karl, and Darnell Reed. 

Telfair accepted Christ at an early age, after relocating to Joliet, he joined Mt Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. J.W Hill. He served in the Men’s Choir, under his favorite Minister of Music, Brother James D. Brown. Telfair enjoyed volunteering his time serving when and wherever he was needed. He spent many hours helping to build Mt. Zion Church and the Family Life Center.

Telfair was employed by Robert Hall Men’s Clothing Store and the Sporting Goods Outlet Stores as a Display Manager in the Joliet and Chicago areas. Telfair and Mamie enjoyed traveling, hosting many families get togethers. as well as, family reunions. His home was always open, and he welcomed all who entered with love. He enjoyed having dinner ready for family after they returned home from Church. He taught his grandsons the fundamentals of life and how to be kind to one another.

Telfair’s favorite pastime was shopping at Walmart and Menards, where he ventured almost every day. He loved a manicured lawn, gardening and caring for his peach trees. His favorite basketball and baseball teams were the Chicago Bulls and the White Sox, and his favorite cars and trucks were the Cadillac and the Ford F-150. Telfair’s ice tea and coffee buddy was Sam Mitchell, they really enjoyed their time together.

Telfair is preceded  in death by his parents, Willie and A.W Reed; three sons, Bobbie Earl, Karl and Darnell Reed; mother and father-in-law, Willie B.C and Louella W. Bew; one brother, Preston Reed; one sister, Berteen (Luther Ray) Sims; three brothers-in-law, Ivory C. (Ernestine) Bew, James R. Bew and George G. Bew; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Reed Grandberry, and Willie Louise (Oscar Sr.) Lewis; one grandson, Karl Linley Dougherty; and one granddaughter, Ashton Hughes Woodson.

Telfair leaves to cherish loving memories with his loving and devoted wife, Mamie R. Reed; five grandsons, DeAndre Smith (Chanriya), George Barefield, Cortney Hughes, Kyle Reed and Kendall Reed (Brandy); sisters-in-law, Armelda Scott, Ora (Coy) McElrath, Louellar McNear, Lorine (Sam) Mitchell, and Dorothy (Cornelius) Gray; three godsons, Anthony (Rachel) Gray, Curtis Terrell, Jr. and Malachi Telfair Wright; special niece, Joann Boarden; 14 great grandchildren; special friends, George and Eddie B. Edwards and Ed and Victoria Noel; his Mt. Zion Care Team, Deacon Saul and Deaconess Edna Brass; his Mt. Zion Church Family; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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