God has not promised skies always blue, flowers-strewn, pathways, all our lives through.
God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for today, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trails,
Help from above, unfailing sympathy, and undying love.
Blanche Novella Christian Reed went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Her life began on October 15, 1938, the daughter of the late Eudora and Fred Christian Sr.
“Punch,” as she was affectionately called, was educated in the Williamsburg-James City County Public School System. At an early age, she joined Chickahominy Baptist Church where she served as a member of the Community Chorus for many years.
On March 12, 1968, Blanche married the love of her life Raymond Junior Reed. This union was blessed to raise twelve loving children.
Blanche was employed at the Colonial Williamsburg Laundry and later became an amazing bus driver for the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, retiring after thirty-two years of dedicated service. She loved her students almost as much as they loved her.
Punch loved the Lord and like Jesus, she had that unconditional love. She opened her door to anyone in need. She left an everlasting touch in the lives of everyone she came in contact with. She loved to sing, dance, and crochet. She was also an awesome cook!
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond J. Reed Sr; children, Rita Smith, Cheryl Bishop, Delores Graves, Lynell Christian, Anthony Christian, William Christian, Raymona Shackleford, Rose Reed, and Raymond Reed Jr. brothers, Lloyd Christian and Fred Christian Jr.; and sister Mildred Pierce.
Mrs. Reed’s legacy will forever live on in the life of her children, Delphine Gray, Helen Landers, and Pedesdo Reed (Josephine); forty-four grandchildren; sixty-eight great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosetta Bowman and Levonia Lee (John); a special daughter Tashawndae “Missy” Baker; two devoted god-daughters, Joyce Greenhow and Roberta Shearn; dedicated nephew Marty Wright; caretaker Davis Meekins; special friend Lenora Graves; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
