Helen Elizabeth Redditt Reid

She was born January 19, 1926 at home on Delta Pinelands Cotton Plantation in Scott, Mississippi. Her farm was not mechanized and all work was done with mules and human effort. She was evacuated to the hills on April 20, 1927, 1 day before the levee broke in the historic Mississippi River flood of 1927. The family’s home, car and property were destroyed in the flood and it was several years before the farm was viable again.

Helen graduated from Mississippi State College for Women and became a home economics teacher. She married Charles E. Reid, Jr on his graduation day from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and embraced the military life. During their marriage, they lived in Pensacola, Florida; Corpus Christi, Texas: Norfolk, Virginia; Monterey, California; Champagne-Urbana, Illinois; Oxnard, California; Anaheim, California; McLean, Virginia; Clifton, Virginia. After retirement, they lived in Richmond, Virginia and she moved to Greenville, SC near her daughter. She taught students in Virginia and Mississippi for 20 years.

Being the wife of a naval officer onboard aircraft carrier with the Pacific fleet, she raised 4 children of her own, 3 of her grandchildren and one “adopted” son, along with various other children who needed a place to stay. She cared for her own mother for 8 years at her home and nursed her husband through Agent Orange-related Parkinson’s Disease. She leaves 4 children: Karen (Scott) McCombe, Deborah (Glenn) MacPherson, Charles (Aura) Reid III, and John Reid. She also leaves an additional “son” whom she raised, Jorge Rivera (George). She also leaves 7 grandchildren: Sara (Richard) Marlow, Debbie (Matt) Roemer, Alvaro Jerez, Alison (Andy) Roark and Leah (Colin) Butler, Ian Reid and Fletcher Reid. In addition, there are 11 great grandchildren: Christian Roemer, John Marlow, Samantha Roemer, Alexandra Jerez, Jacquelyn Roark, Richard Marlow, Lillian Roemer, Hannah Roark, Liam Marlow, Cole Butler and Beau Butler. She also leaves her wonderful aide Jacqueline Brown Garrett, who was a close friend, caregiver and confidante.

Helen had a number of “super powers”: she collected and cared for numerous stray animals and children; kept a household of many children and animals going while her Navy officer husband was at sea 9 mo. at a time; shepherded 5 persnickety teens through to adulthood, was able to feed 10 people with 1 pound of meat; modified one formal dress 8 times in 20 years for herself; sewed most of her own and her children’s clothes; made the best fried chicken in the world which recipe has never been duplicated; and finally, organized, packed and moved her family every 2-3 years with the military.

Helen will be committed to the columbarium at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD next to her husband. Service will be held at the Naval Academy Chapel for family.

Helen described herself as a “Tough Old Bird”. As a military wife, she had an “edgy” sense of humor, but was always a perfect lady in public. Her favorite things were family, chocolate (anything), African violets and Boston Terriers. She never missed an appointment at the beauty salon. She will be missed by many people. Farewell, Mama.