Lois Eareckson Reed

Lois graduated from Western High School Baltimore, MD, before completing her Nursing Training at West Baltimore General Hospital also in Baltimore.

She dedicated her nursing career at the Lutheran Hospital, Baltimore as a delivery nurse followed by working with the IV team. After retirement she always made time to return to Baltimore for an annual reunion with the “Dizzy 10”.

Lois began her spiritual journey as a child attending the Bishop Cummings Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church in Catonsville, MD, after moving to Jacksonville she became a devoted member of Lake Shore Presbyterian Church (LSPC). She shared her many creative talents with her church family creating the most beautiful afghans, blankets, & needle points. In addition she created lovely, thoughtful poems in cards she sent to members who were sick, or in the hospital, who were celebrating birthdays or anniversaries, always brightening that person’s life. This quickly earned Lois the nickname of “The Poet Laureate” of LSPC.

She also was very active in the Presbyterian Women’s organization of the Church with her generous support & contributions during fellowship meals, & as co-leader of the Sunday morning bible class. She was the founder of the “Lunch Bunch”, a special group of women many of whom were widows. Lois was the face of Jesus to these women in their time of need & beyond. LSPC was family to Lois & a special place where her spiritual life was a beautiful ministry of fellowship & encouragement to so many & her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched at Lake Shore Presbyterian Church.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband John William “Bill” Reed, Jr., siblings Mary Jacqueline “Nicki” Brown, Vincent O. Eareckson, Jr. & Roger Eareckson

She will be missed dearly by her son Paul Ross, (Keena) Delmar, MD; daughter’s Lois Patricia Ruchlewicz, Sykesville, MD; & Penny Welch Jacksonville, FL.

Grandchildren: Allen Ross, Kevin Ross (Allison), Erin Ross & Sarah Ross, Wesley Miller, Katie Barritt (Bryan), Kimberly Miller and Kelly Miller, Vincent Welch, Alysse Welch & Danny Barnes.

Great grandchildren: Anthony & Alexandria Miller, Ross & Madeline Barritt, Ashtynn & Vincent Welch.

Nieces & Nephews: Mary Jacqueline "Jackie" Mathis, Victoria Shaffer, Laura M. Kerbe, Roger K. Eareckson, Leslie Eareckson & Vincent O. Eareckson.

Stepchildren: John William "Bill" Reed, III, (Linda), Jeanette Crispin, Dawn Reed-Moerings (Karel), Bruce Reed (Jennifer), Scott Reed (Fran)

Grandchildren: Nicolaas Moerings (Whitney), Annalise Fairbanks (Brandon), Danielle Stewart (Josh), Chauntel Reed (Jennifer), Patricia Reed, Stephanie & Sarah Batterton, Makenzie Reed, Matthew, Brittany, & Lacy Reed.

Great grandchildren: Harper, Nico, Amelia, Timothy, Reed, Julianna, Kiersten, McCayden, & Saphyrah.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Lois' life will be held Sunday, January 19th at Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 2270 Blanding Blvd., Jacksonville at 1:00 pm.

Lunch will be provided by the Presbyterian Women preceding the service, at noon in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Lois to Lake Shore Presbyterian Church.