Mrs. Essie (Richard) Reed

Essie received her formal education at Grambling Elementary and graduated from Grambling High School in 1953. She later attended Grambling College, Commerce University, Bishop College, Southern Methodist University and Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from Texas Women University with a Bachelors in Science and later obtained her Master’s Degree in Children’s Literature.

Essie met the love of her life J.W. Reed in Ruston, Louisiana whom she followed to Dallas, Texas. The couple united in Holy Matrimony in 1954. Essie enjoyed walking in the park/mall and traveling across the world with her husband.

Essie confessed Christ at an early age. She attended Saint Phillips Episcopal, Saint George Episcopal and in the year 2000, moved her membership to Saint Anne Episcopal. Essie was a faithful member and worked with the “Daughters of the King.”

Essie began her career with the Dallas Public Library in February 1957. During her tenure, she worked at the Dunbar Branch, Dallas’ first library for the African American community. She was the first African American librarian to work with the public. Essie opened and managed three public libraries in the city of Dallas: Park Forest Library, Forest Green Library and Skyline Library. In addition, she worked at the Central Library on Commerce Street, on the Bookmobile, and at Dallas West and Martin Luther King, Jr. branches as a children’s librarian. She retired on September 2, 1983 after 26 years of service.

Essie was a very active member in the areas of voter rights, voter education and voter registration.

Essie was an active, lifetime member of the League of Women Voters of Dallas. She served on the State Board and attended state and national conventions. In 2006, she received the Susan B. Anthony Award, an annual award presented to “a woman who exemplifies the characteristics of Susan B. Anthony.” These characteristics include “independence, persistence, determination and dedication in obtaining equal rights for all.” Her commitment to the League never wavered.

Essie was preceded in death by her twin brother Jessie D. Richard; three sisters: Lille J. Fuller, Vinnie Ruth Richard, and Mary Lee Richard.

On February 25, 2019, Essie received her wings and went home to be with the Lord.

She leaves to cherish her memories, loving and devoted husband of 65 years: Mr. J.W Reed; daughters: Carol Zoette Reed and Thelma Lela King; one sister: Pastor Sylvia Pope; two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two brother in laws: John S. (Effie) Reed of Shreveport, LA and James (Annie) Reed of Dallas, Texas; sister in law: Annie Reed (George) Jones; God children: Karen and Tyler Jones; the entire Saint Anne Episcopal Church Family, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.