Eleanor M. Reed, family matriarch

Eleanor M. Reed departed her earthly life at the age of 93 Wednesday, Sept. 20,2017, at Beebe Healthcare, Lewes, surrounded by her family where she was granted her angel wings.

Eleanor M. Reed was the second of 12 children born Oct. 28, 1923, to the late Abraham White and Marguerite (Johnson) White. She was raised in Pinetown where she resided until her most recent and brief stay at Renaissance Healthcare Center, Millsboro. She attended Drawbridge Elementary School in Coolspring, and furthered her education at Howard High School in Wilmington. Eleanor was joined in Holy Matrimony to John Maker, and to this union were added two children, Ann Maker and John Maker Jr. In 1973 she united in Holy Matrimony to Arthur Reed. Eleanor did domestic work for the Carpenter and Draper families in Rehoboth Beach until her retirement.

She was an active member of Burton Chapel AME Church, serving diligently as a church school teacher and was always prepared for her class. Her early morning routine was reading and studying her devotions before starting her day. She was also a member of the Hazel F. Harmon Missionary Society Senior Choir and head of the Stewardess Board. Serving her positions well, her heart and soul was preparing the pulpit and altar for the Service of Holy Communion. Utilizing her gift of wisdom, faith and love, she had a unique ability to reach people in a deep and positive way, and getting her message across without being offensive. Eleanor truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting, snacking and sharing a cup of coffee and breakfast with her sisters, other relatives and friends before they went off to work. She often prepared a breakfast meal of fish and pancakes for her husband. Her culinary skills included a delicious meal of chicken and dumplings. She enjoyed family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, outings with her sisters, traveling, and most of all Saturday morning yard sales.
"Grand mom", as she was affectionately known, loved and adored her family. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She shared herself with family freely and continuously. Her grandchildren were the love of her life. The neighborhood and community children called her "Aunt Eleanor.” She was the staple and the rock of her family and the community. She was instrumental in raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and taught them to read a Bible verse every morning. She often attended her grandchildren's athletic events. She made many sacrifices for her family while often neglecting her own needs.
Eleanor loved many sports such as horse racing, basketball and football. She was a Philadelphia Eagles fan. We are especially grateful for the love and care shown to our grandmother from her sisters who were faithfully by her side every day whether at her home, hospital or rehab.
She was preceded in death by her husband and children; three brothers, William, Warren and Herman White; and four sisters, Naomi Perry, Bernice Miller, Anna Sylvia White and Frances Hunter.
Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her three sisters, Grace Thomas, Ruth Turner and Thelma White, all of Lewes; two grandsons that she raised, Steven (Janet) Maker of Harbeson and Anthony (Angela) Taylor of Lewes; one daughter-in-law, Ruth Maker of Lewes; a special granddaughter, Amy Collins of Seaford; grandchildren Sherry Henry of Georgetown, Trudy (George Miller) Maker of Millsboro, Iona (Becky) Maker of Lewes and Curtis Maker of Lewes; two great-grandchildren that she raised, Patricia and David Maker; 27 great-grandchildren; 28 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30, at Burton's Chapel AME Church, 29628 Eagles Crest Road, Milton. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to service.

To offer words of comfort, or sign, the guest book, visit www.Benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional services entrusted by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Millsboro.