Juanita Kennedy Reel's Obituary
Juanita Kennedy Reel, March 11, 1934, was the first born to Willie R. Reid and Willie Mae Walton. Juanita was given to Mr. and Mrs. James Marshall and Ida McKamey Kennedy, and had the privilege of being raised with her foster-brother, William Harvey Hayes. When married, Willie R. and Willie Mae Reid, had 3 other children, Ernest Reed, Frederick Reid, and Jacquelyn Reid-Steele.
Juanita joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church at an early age. On May 30, 1951 she graduated from Booker T. Washington school and attended Knoxville College. She became a social worker for the state of Tennessee. On December 12, 1953, she joined Edward L. Reel in holy matrimony. From this they raised 3 daughters, Deborah L. Reel, Angelia Reel, and Thalya V. Reel as well as 2 sons of James Aubrey Hammond; Eric T. Hammonds and Alonzo J. Hammonds-Reel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, daughters, Thalya Green and Angelia Reel; biological and adopted parents, and siblings of her biological parents.
She was happiest when surrounded by family, a woman of strength, who recognized the power of prayer, very instrumental in providing her grandchildren love, discipline, support, fun, and a foundation to reach their goals. She also enjoyed doing hair and treasured life-long friendships with Clara Hughes, Carolyn Hammonds, and Pamela Brown, who all have preceded her in death.
Ms. Reel on January 15, 2025, peacefully entered into rest from this life with her granddaughter, Ericia Bell and great-granddaughter, Rickia Bell at her bedside. She leaves her love and memories with her daughter, Deborah Reel; sons, Eric T. Hammonds and Alonzo J. Reel, Sr.; grandsons, Eric N. Jones, II, Anthony Grimes, Jr., Donny N. Carter, Jr. Alonzo Reel, Jr.; granddaughter, Ericia (William H., Jr.) Bell; brother, William H. Hayes of Omaha, NE; friend Elnora Miller; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, sons-in-law, Eric N. Jones I, Donny N. Carter, Sr. and Melvin Green; a host of other family and friends. A special thanks to DeAnna Smith. She will lie-in-state on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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