Denise M. Reed

June 23, 1950 – June 12, 2025 Age 74

Denise M. Parrish Carman Reed was lifted into the eternal arms of Jesus on June 12, 2025, just eleven days shy of her 75th birthday. She lived a life of relentless strength, grit, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her God, family, work, churches and her community.

Born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, to Harold Parrish and Yvonne McClanahan Parrish Stoddard, Denise graduated from Elk Creek High School and quickly pursued her passion for cosmetology, earning her license the same year in 1968. What followed was a remarkable 57-year career as a hairdresser and barber—one marked by dedication, skill, service and countless friendships formed in her styling chair. Her friends and family growing up often affectionately called her "Denny".

On February 26, 1972, Denise married Philip Carman, and together they raised two daughters, Nicole Elwood and Laura (Beth) Dugger. Early in her motherhood journey, she co-founded her own salon, The Snippers. Her girls remember growing up in the salon right next to her, as she was a great example of a hard-earned career and impeccable work ethic. She later found a professional home alongside her longtime colleague and dear friend Roger "Al" Marquart at Cavalier Family Hair Center, where she continued to work until her final days. Even just hours before her passing, Denise was thinking about her clients.

On January 1, 2001, she felt New Year's needed a little more sparkle so Denise married Timothy Reed at one minute past midnight in a quaint ceremony in her home on Colby Street. From then on, she was his sunshine, and the feeling was mutual. In their 24 years together, they shared the joys and challenges of midlife, empty nesting, and aging gracefully together, including her private battle with breast cancer. True to her nature, Denise never wanted to make the illness part of her identity, never called it “hers,” and never sought the limelight. She never wanted the spotlight and preferred not to speak of illness, choosing instead to focus on others and live with grace and steadfast faith in healing.

Family was the heart of Denise’s world. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Whenever she was able, she cheered on her children and grandchildren, whether in sports, school, or any pursuit that mattered to them. She gave of herself with a spunky, no-nonsense attitude and a deeply generous spirit. Denise considered all of her friends as family and cared for them deeply. She impacted many lives through giving of her time, talents, and earthly possessions. She made it a point to make any home she lived in the most beautiful and inviting space for her friends and family. She enjoyed hosting church gatherings and fellowships together. If you needed a place to land, she invited you in as one of her own. Many people have stayed with her and called her place "home".

Deeply involved in her church communities, she offered countless hours of service in prayer, worship, and leadership—much of it behind the scenes. Most recently, she enjoyed greeting in her home church community. She was generous with her service to her country while serving as an active Republican Party delegate, always ready to contribute where she could.

Recently, her brother, Daniel Parrish, captured her essence perfectly: “There wasn’t a person on earth with a larger giving and forgiving heart. Family was always her top priority, and she had the uncanny ability to juggle multiple tasks with a smile, while often ignoring her own needs, just being a great mom.”

One of Denise’s most cherished Bible verses she quoted often, is Matthew 6:33:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

It’s a verse she lived by daily, grounded in faith, deep purpose, and service.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold Parrish and Yvonne Stoddard; her stepmother, Mary Parrish; and Matthew Elisha Reed (son of Tim).

She is survived by her husband, Timothy Reed; her daughters, Nicole and Matt Elwood, Laura (Beth) and Jason Dugger; her grandchildren, Jared Dugger, Jacob Dugger, Julia Dugger, Levi Elwood, and Alayna Elwood; her stepsons, Benjamin Reed and Andrew Reed; her brother, Daniel Parrish; and her stepsiblings, Daniel Sullivan, Barbara Howard, Diana Thomas, and Nancy Samek, as well as extended family and a large circle of friends and clients who loved her dearly. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and steadfast love.

SERVICE DETAILS:

Denise had many long-time friends and customers as she was a hairdresser for well over 50 years in our Lincoln area. We thought it fitting to provide a Lincoln service for those who would not be able to make the trip to celebrate her in Omaha. She was looking forward to her birthday and loved a good prayer and worshipful time together, so we invite you to join us in honor of her birthday on Monday evening.

Together with her husband, Tim, they have a special church family community in the Omaha area where her celebration of life service will be held. Please feel invited to each of our gatherings.

If you are attending any of her services, Denise's favorite color was purple. We're inviting everyone to sport something purple if you have it.

Monday June 23 - Visitation at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512

4:00pm to 6:00pm with at prayer service at 6:00pm. This is Denise's 75th birthday.

Tuesday June 24 - Visitation 10:00am to 11:00am, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 South 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512 followed by a Graveside Service at 11:00 in Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery 6700 So. 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512

Tuesday June 24 - 3:00 pm Celebration of Life service Lord of Hosts Church- 5351 S. 139th St. Omaha, NE. Ice cream sundae reception immediately following at the church.

Thank you to everyone who loved my Mom well. If you have a special memory of her, I invite you to post it here. Hearing your stories is bringing us so much joy. Although we are incredibly sad, we know she is at perfect peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus now, and that brings us great comfort.