Saundra T. Reed

On March 11, 2024, Saundra Thompson Reed, 82, left her earthly home and entered into the presence of her savior, Jesus Christ. She was the beloved wife of W. Allen Reed, who preceded her into heaven in 2020 after 62 years of marriage.

Saundra was born in Munday, Texas, on January 8, 1942, the only child of Woodrow and Inez Thompson. Due to the nature of Woodrow’s job with General Electric, Saundra’s family moved often and lived on or near multiple Air Force bases around the U.S. She met Allen while living in Altus, Oklahoma. They were married on Valentine’s Day 1960 and spent most of their married life in Melbourne and Palm Bay, Florida.

Saundra worked at BellSouth in Melbourne until the birth of her two sons, Bradley and Jeffrey. As one of the founding members of the Tabernacle Church of Melbourne, Saundra poured her generous heart and many creative gifts into serving the Lord and her church family. Her rich, distinctive contralto vocals anchored the Tabernacle worship team for several decades, while her beautiful handmade banners decorated the church walls with messages glorifying God. Saundra also served as the church’s financial administrator for many years. She was a mentor to many younger women and girls, with whom she delighted in sharing her love for hospitality, homemaking, crafting, and baking.

Saundra was a woman of deep and unwavering faith in a living God who loves, forgives, transforms, and heals. She served God and others generously, without reservation, and always with excellence and love. An example to all who knew her, she was extended family—sister, mother, grandmother—to many.

Saundra is survived by her son, Bradley Reed, and son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Diana Reed. She was predeceased by her parents. Woodrow and Inez Thompson, and her husband, W. Allen Reed.

A celebration of life service is being planned for June 2024 (exact date to be determined) and will be held in the auditorium of Wholeness to Freedom Ministries, 1619 Ferndale Avenue, Melbourne, Florida (previously the Tabernacle Church).