Brenda Gail Gilbert Reed

1943 - 2025

Brenda Gail Gilbert Reed

February 7, 1943 - October 12, 2025

Brenda Gail Gilbert Reed, 82, of Hickory, entered God's eternal care on October 12, 2025 at Carolina Caring in Newton after a decade-long struggle with Parkinson's Disease.

She was born February 7, 1943 in Catawba County to the late Paul and Lola (Propst) Gilbert of Conover, NC. She was a member of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Conover where she participated in the Woman's Circle, regularly leading bible study, faithfully attending worship, singing in the choir, and being a friend to other women who often needed a ride to a bible study meeting.

She was a 1961 graduate of St. Stephens High school and went to Clevenger's Business College, both in Hickory. Growing up at Miller's Lutheran Church in Hickory, she met her future husband, Wayne Reed, during her time with the youth Luther League. They were married at Miller's on Palm Sunday, April 7, 1963. Brenda worked at Medical Arts Clinic, Hickory and for Dr. Louis Hamman in Newton, NC.

Known for her friendly presence and warm demeanor, Brenda, for over forty years, assisted patients and families as a receptionist and medical secretary. Learning to swim as an adult, she loved any time she could spend in the water. She also enjoyed flowers, watching birds, and decorating her home to reflect the many seasons and holidays of the year. And she also embraced the music of her generation, her children's generation, and anything that she could sing to. She and Wayne faithfully attended and cheered at all the events that Kevin, Amy, and Ken were involved with including recitals, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, track meets, scouting, chorus concerts, and more (including countless practices and rehearsals). Win or lose, her encouragement was always positive and uplifting. Most importantly, Brenda and Wayne modeled faithfulness in Christ and nurtured their children's faith through involvement in the life of the church at Mt. Zion.

Those left to cherish her memory are husband of 62 years, Wayne Reed of the home; sister, Marilyn Miller of Hickory, NC; sons, Kevin Reed and wife Stephanie of Charlotte, NC, Ken Reed and wife Leslie of Newton, NC; daughter, Amy Jarrett and husband Todd of Vale, NC; grandchildren, Leira Reed (Charlotte), Cheyenne Jarrett (Vale), Alex Reed (Kannapolis), Kurtis Reed (Newton), and Jack Reed (Newton); great-grandson, Asher Wayne Reed (Kannapolis); sisters-in-law, Donna Griffin of Conover, NC, Shirley Thompson and husband Evan of Pigeon Forge, TN.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Trinity Village- Hickory, Catawba Valley Medical Center, and Carolina Caring- Newton. A service to celebrate Brenda's life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 4 p.m. at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Conover. Rev. Deborah Frye will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2 to 3:45 p.m. at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Lutheran Church (Music Ministry), 4420 County Home Road, Conover, NC 28613.

Condolences may be sent to the Reed family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com. The Reed family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton, 828-465-2111.