Era Theresa Reed Walls J u n e 5 , 1 963 - D ecem ber 9, 2020
“To everything, there is a season and purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes: 3: 1
“A Time to Be Born” Era Theresa Reed Walls was born June 5, 1963, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mary Reed and the late Jimmy D. Reed, Sr. She was the fourth of five children and was preceded in death by her brother, James Fowler and the late Wiley McKinney, who helped raise her. “A Time to Plant” Her spiritual life began at an early age when she accepted Christ as her Savior at New Era Missionary Baptist Church and baptized under Reverend Townsend, Sr. She later joined Robinhood Lane Missionary Baptist Church under the late Reverend Eugene Cochran, where she remained a faithful member until the time of her heavenly transition. A beloved member, she served in various roles, including the Usher Board, and assisted the youth ministry throughout the years under current pastor Rev. Dr. David Ricks. “A Time to Labor” Era was a product of Memphis City Schools and a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1981. A proud Golden Wildcat, she maintained lifelong friendships with classmates, and she often participated in fundraising and fellowship alumni events throughout the years. If you knew Era, you knew Orange Mound and Melrose were her heart. Upon graduation, Era became a dedicated employee of NBC Bank, which later transitioned into SunTrust for over 30 years. Era held several positions throughout the years, a sharp and skillful employee, her work ethic resulting in management positions. After leaving SunTrust, Era briefly worked at Luxottica Optical and Phelps Security before returning to the financial industry at Paragon Bank. “A Time to Love” Era fell in love many times, blessing her with two children, James Reed and Ashley Walls. She cherished time spent with her family and friends and could often be found serving others. Born with a loving heart, she could always be found feeding and helping others in need, which brought her joy. A closet hoarder, Era would always give away clothes to people in need because she experienced struggles herself. She was a thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and generous soul. “A Time to Pluck Up That Which is Planted” Era entered into eternal rest on December 9, 2020. “A Time to Embrace” Era was preceded in death by her daughter, Jamie Walls (at birth), and her precious niece, Laquisha Fowler. To cherish her memory and carry on her legacy, Era leaves her children, James Reed, and Ashley Walls; her mother, Mary Reed; her sisters-in-law, Lydia Fowler and Deborah Walls; her siblings Michael Fowler, Jimmie Reed Jr., Audra McKinney, Vivian Henry, Janice Chapman, the McKinney brothers & sisters, and the Reed cousins (brothers & sisters in her heart); her godmothers Shirley Fluker and Annabelle Jones; her special friends, James Arthur Sims, Sr. and Mavis Estes; her adopted family: The Bradshaws and Soefkers; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Order of Celebration Saturday, December 19, 2020 11:00 Noon
Robinhood Lane Baptist Church
3804 Kimball Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38111 Reverend Dr. David Ricks, Officiating
Music Prelude Processional Scripture Reading: Old & New Testament......................................................................................................Rev. Ronald Moore Prayer of Consolation.....................................................................................................Deacon Waymond Parham Musical Selections............................................................................................................................Choir Ensemble
Reflections
(Respectfully, Two Minutes Please)
Melrose Class of ‘81 Family - Tia Fleming (Cousin) Musical Selection..............................................................................................................................Choir Ensemble Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................James & Ashley Musical Selection..............................................................................................................................Choir Ensemble Eulogy........................................................................................................................................Rev. Dr. David Ricks Recessional Remains will not be viewed after eulogy.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalms 23
LTributes oving
My Love
Girl...what am I going to do without you?! I am still waiting for your text message or phone call asking what we are going to eat. All you wanted to do was dance, watch Hallmark movies, eat good food, and go to garage sales. (laugh). While in the hospital, you said you were hoping to be home before Christmas so you, me, and granny could wear our matching Christmas pajamas and watch the new Christmas movies. I guess you will be home in my dreams. Holidays will never be the same without your excitement and smile, but I will try my best to continue traditions. It’s hard to smile and actually feel happiness right now, but I know each day will get better with prayer. Thank you for teaching me about the Lord and finding peace because that gives me the strength to enjoy life. Don’t worry about me; I have peace in my heart and will live a beautiful life no matter where life leads me. Granny will be safe and taken care of. I know you will be watching and listening. I love you forever and ever Momma. Your Daughter, Ashley
To My Amazing Daughter The Lord blessed me with you for 57 years. We loved each other unconditionally. God called you to be with Him when he saw you becoming weak and weary. Thank you for taking care of me and creating beautiful memories. Your spirit is always with me, and I’m always with you. Until we hug each other again, Momma loves you. Take your rest on earth and live eternally in HEAVEN. -Your Mother, Mary Ola Reed
Momma, I really didn’t see this coming. God knows I wish God did make mistakes, but you taught us He doesn’t. I miss you fussing at me already and your voice. I will always miss you. You loved Ashley and me dearly and taught us well. I will never forget the advice you texted me and said to me right before God called you home. Momma, I never knew it would be this hard to smile and get up out of bed every day. The pain runs so deep. Ashley and I will always hope that you didn’t die feeling alone and scared. It’s going to always hurt us that we couldn’t be by your side and see your face to be able to touch you one last time. I know you will always watch over me, protecting me, and seeing me continue to become the man you always wanted me to be. Momma, I was so close, but you didn’t make it to the finish line with me as we hoped. Thank you for always being there for other families and us – you were so helpful. Please know that we will always do our best to take care of Granny like you did, sticking together and continuing to put God first. Until I see you again, my Momma, you will always be in heart, and girl, you better keep fussing at me even from Heaven because I’m going to need it. I’ll Love You Forever Momma. I have faith we will laugh again together one day. Your Son, James Reed
~ Acknowledgements ~
Christ meets us where we are. He comes alongside us and says, I am always with you - on the good and bad days - I will see you through. God has proved His love through our family, our church, and the many, many friends far and wide. We sincerely appreciate your visits, phone calls, prayers, hugs, cards, food, and every thought that you sent our way from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you for loving our Era and expressing that love to us. We know that with God sending us people like you, we will make it.
~The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~ Brothers Nephews Uncles
~ Active Pallbearers ~ James Sims, Sr. Robert Liggins Jerry Isom Rico Fowler Demarcus Featherstone Reginald Tucker, Jr. Kevin Chapman, Jr. Vernon Walls
God’s Will
Not by choice but by God’s Will We’ve been left with memories that will only fill A part of us that’s left behind Like dust in the wind and soon to find That although we have faith, the day has come That this dream is real and we’re no longer numb The presence of what I know in my heart Will keep us together, never to part Your smile has graced us to no end A time for all of us to begin Laughing, loving, caring for each We no longer search, it’s within our reach You have blessed us all with something we lack We will learn from you and always look back God’s Will has left us with a part of you That will grace each day with a morning dew To wake up to butterflies fluttering about And the knowledge that we are not without Your smile, your laughter, your love, your appeal This, my dear, must be God’s Will.
~Committal Rites & Interment~ Memorial Park Southwoods Cemetery 5485 Hacks Cross Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
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