Shirley Davis Reid, 82, died on June 21, 2020, with family by her side in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Born on June 22, 1937 in Columbus, Ohio to Henry & Marie Davis, she received her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1986 from the University of Illinois Chicago. She raised six children and taught for 13 years at Longfellow Elementary School in Oak Park.
She loved games, playing piano, reading, singing, writing and cooking. She was also a devoted Catholic and served as a dedicated service lector.
After retirement, she was an active member of the American Association of University Women, serving as Venice chapter president, then Florida state president. She started the Florida state chapter of Tech Trek, a camp for young girls in STEM, and served as camp director. Shortly after moving to Philadelphia, she was nominated “floor captain” at the Watermark Retirement Facility.
Family and friends remember the way she lit up any room she was in and her ability to connect with any person she met. She loved people.
In her last moments, she gifted her family by opening her eyes and smiling.
Shirley Reid was preceded in death by her sons Rodrick Reid and Rodney Paul Reid. She is survived by her husband, Ralston Reid; her children, Terri Folan, Gail Scott, Rhonda Reid, and Ralston Reid Jr.; her grandchildren, Taylor Tindal, Rachel Folan, Nya Tindal, B.J. Tindal, and Rebecca Folan; and her great-grandchild, Leah Padilla. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Albert “Bill,” Mildred, Ruby, and Barbara Jean Davis.
Visitation was held on June 29, followed by a service. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 50 people were allowed. Interment was at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Association of University Women: Education & Training of Women, AAUW.org.
Arrangements were handled by Leonard Memorial Funeral Home in Glen Ellyn.
