Jerry Was Preceded in Death by Her Father and Mother; One Brother, James Reed; and Both

Jerry Anne (Reed) Black was born July 8, 1935 at Winona, MO to Guy "Cat" Reed and Helen Elnora (Weaver) Reed, one of four children. She departed this life on August 6, 2007 at Fremont, MO at the age of 72 years and 29 days.

Jerry was united in marriage to Dalton Donald Fox on March 6, 1954 at St. Louis, MO. To this union, one daughter, Teresa Lynn Fox, was born. Dalton preceded her in death. She was united in marriage to Elmer Lee Black on June 4, 1960 at Fremont, MO. To this union one son, John Clinton Black, was born.

Jerry was preceded in death by her father and mother; one brother, James Reed; and both husbands.

Jerry is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Fox) Beck, Fremont, MO; one son, Clint Black, Fremont, MO; five grandchildren, Brent Larkin, Jeired and Rachael Huff; and Natasha and Clinton Lee; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Roland Reed, and wife, Arlene, of Winona, MO; one sister, Sharon Norris, and husband, Scott, of Winona, MO; and numerous relatives and friends.

Jerry was born and raised in the Fremont area where she attended school. She graduated from Fremont High School in 1953 and moved to St. Louis, MO to work after graduation. Jerry and Elmer moved to Colorado in 1961 where she worked as a bookkeeper/accountant for Union Carbide until they returned to the Fremont area in 1971. Jerry was a bus driver for the Van Buren Carter County school district for 30 years until she retired. She and her family operated the Fremont Hotel and Restaurant for several years before it closed.

Jerry enjoyed working in her flower garden and sitting on her front porch swing having a glass of tea with a friend. Wood working was a hobby she loved... "Give her a new power tool and watch her go". Jerry also enjoyed singing and playing her piano or harmonica. Helping others was a special gift she possessed and loved to do. She volunteered at the New Life Evangelistic Free Store in Van Buren for several years where she helped at the store in setting up clothing and delivering food to the area residents. She served on the board of directors for the West Carter County Ambulance district for several years representing the residents of West Carter County.

Jerry accepted Jesus as her Savior and continued to love him the rest of her life. She attended church at the House of Prayer in Winona, MO. Jerry loved her family deeply and was most happy when they were close by. Her love was shown by her kind, loving and generous heart. Jerry loved and enjoyed life. Though she met many challenges, she faced them with dignity and determination and she was courageous to the end. Jerry said, "If you will live every day as though it were your last, you would live it differently."

Jerry was loved deeply by those who knew her and will be greatly missed and remembered for the memories she left behind.

Funeral Services were held Thursday, August 9, 2007 at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Winona, MO with Archie Taylor officiating. Interment was in the Freeman Cemetery at Fremont, MO under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Winona, MO.