Ceciel J. Reed

Ceciel Joan Reed was born on August 17, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Ollie Lee and Alfreda Barry. She peacefully departed this life on May 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of education, service, sisterhood, and love.

A proud product of the Saginaw Public Schools system, Ceciel graduated from Saginaw High School in 1966. She continued her education at Western Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1970. While at Western, she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Delta Chi Chapter in the fall of 1967, beginning a lifelong commitment to scholarship, sisterhood, and service.

On September 9, 1972, Ceciel united in marriage with Narraine D. Reed. Together, they shared nearly 54 years of love and partnership and were blessed with one daughter, Erinn Reed.

Ceciel dedicated 32 years to education as a teacher at Buena Vista High School in Saginaw, Michigan, where she taught Home Economics, Health, Sociology, and Driver’s Education until retiring in 2002. Even after retirement, she continued teaching Driver’s Education, remaining committed to mentoring young people in the community.

A gifted athlete and mentor, Ceciel played adult league softball while simultaneously coaching varsity softball at Buena Vista High School. Her passion for youth development later led her to help establish a softball team at Houghton Elementary School so her daughter and other young girls could have the opportunity to play and compete.

A devoted servant leader, Ceciel was active in numerous organizations and community initiatives. She was a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter; worked extensively with the Houghton Jones Association teaching sewing classes and supporting summer camps for youth; served on the board of the Saginaw Farmers’ Market; and was an active member and past president of the NAIC Mid-Michigan Model Investment Club. Through her partnerships with the Saginaw Community Foundation and other organizations, she continuously invested in the betterment of her community.

Gardening was one of Ceciel’s greatest passions. She lovingly cultivated her own garden while dedicating countless hours to community gardening efforts and promoting sustainable food practices. She strongly believed in establishing food security within underserved communities and advocated for access to fresh, healthy food for all families.

Ceciel also enjoyed traveling the world, visiting countries including France, Italy, Spain, Peru, Morocco, Greece, and Thailand. A gifted gourmet cook, she expanded her culinary talents through cooking classes both locally and abroad, including in France and Thailand.

An avid bowler, Ceciel traveled nationwide competing in tournaments and proudly bowled a perfect game of 300. She also spent many Saturdays coaching young bowlers, encouraging discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship.

Her service and dedication were recognized through numerous honors, including being named a Christina Jones Women’s Tea Brunch Honoree, receiving the 2024 Eta Upsilon Omega Soror of the Year Award, and receiving a Certificate of Recognition for community service rendered to the City of Saginaw at the 25th Annual Women’s Convention of Southwest Michigan Third Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Churches of God in Christ.

Ceciel was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie Lee and Alfreda Barry; her brother, Ollie Curtis Barry; and her beloved fur grandbabies, Booda Bear and Anya.

Ceciel leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Narraine D. Reed; her beloved daughter, Erinn Reed; her cherished fur grandbaby, Yevah; siblings, Shirley Ward, Tennison Barry, and Theonas Barry; nephews, Fela Barry (Ebony), Dorian Griffin, Bryan Barry (Ginelle), Alondre Barry (Johnnetta), Nahshon Barry, Curtis Barry, and Alfred Barry; special cousins, Angela Friday and Ericka Lockett; bonus daughter, Erica Marsh-Abrahms; the Addison family; and a host of extended family members, sorority sisters, former students, colleagues, and dear friends.

Ceciel Joan Reed will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the lives she touched through her wisdom, compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others.