Barbara E Reed

Barbara (Betty) Elizabeth Reed passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026 at the age of 86.

Born on May 15, 1939, at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, New Jersey, Betty was the fifth of nine children born to the late Gertrude and Lester Hurling. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was guided by love, faith, and family.

Betty grew up in Westfield, New Jersey. She graduated from Westfield High School and later attended a vocational school in New York, where she studied comptometry. As a teenager, Betty fell in love with doo-wop music. That love inspired her, along with her sister Joanie and sister-in-law Rosetta, to create a social group called The Rolling Rockets. The group organized social gatherings for teens to enjoy and celebrate doo-wop music together.

Faith played a central role in Betty’s life. She loved attending church and dedicated her life to the Lord. A faithful and active member throughout her years, she served joyfully as both an usher and a choir member.

In 1960, Betty married Benjamin Reed Jr. in Plainfield, New Jersey. He predeceased her. Together, they built a loving home and raised two children, Michele Gill and Craig Reed (also predeceased). During Benjamin’s military service, Betty traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, embracing each new place with gratitude and curiosity.

Betty retired from Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center after more than 20 years of dedicated service as an accounting secretary in the Foundation Department. She was known for her professionalism, kindness, and steady presence. Following her retirement, she relocated to Pennsylvania with her daughter and son-in-law, determined to begin a new chapter. She joined a church, volunteered at a hospital, became a member of the social club, Red Hatters; and regularly attended the community center, where she enjoyed playing the card game Mahjong—a game she became quite skilled at. Along the way, she made many friends, something that came easily to her.

Betty loved to sing, dance, and play the piano, sharing joy through music and laughter wherever she went. She found her greatest happiness in time spent with family and friends. Staying connected with loved ones was at the heart of her life and remains the legacy she leaves behind.

Betty will be deeply missed by her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Thurston Gill Jr.; her brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Denise Hurling; her second daughters, Patricia Clarke (niece) and Natalie Taylor; her five grandchildren, Simone Gill, Erica Gill, Marques Reed, Thurston Gill III and Destiny Lawson; six great-grandchildren; and many other cherished relatives and friends.

We find comfort in knowing that Betty is now at peace, resting in the loving arms of her Lord, and that her spirit will continue to live on through the lives she touched.