Jeanette Reid

JEANETTE REID, affectionately known as “Momma,” “Grandma,’ “Great-Mom-Mom,” “Aunt Jeanette” and “Ms. Jeanette, was born on January 1, 1921 in Raleigh, North Carolina to late Hattie Donaldson and from age one was raised by the late Lucy Thomas who lived to age ninety-eight. On October 2, 2011 she departed this life suddenly but peacefully in the night, and although it was a shock she went on to sweet rest. God is too wise to make a mistake and she is resting in the Master’s arms. Jeanette received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Perkins Square Baptist Church. After moving, she later became a member of Central Baptist Church thirty-nine years. After a few illnesses and moving in with her daughter in 2005, she became a member of Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries where she further magnified her loved for Christ. She met and married Irving Reid who preceded her in death. She also had a longtime companion, Henry Perry, who preceded her in death in 1986. Jeanette was a product of the Baltimore City School System attending Carver Vocational Technical High School. Shortly after, she worked at Rice’s Bakery for twelve years. In 1952 she was employed by University of Maryland Hospital as a Dietary Aide until retirement in 1982 with thirty years of service. A unique and quiet person. She always gave the shirt off her back providing for others. Jeanette loved her family dearly and Marian even when grown was always attached to the hip. “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain” She enjoyed dancing, going to cabarets, the Cotton Club, playing solitaire and really enjoyed gospel music. She loved children and children loved her. When it came to her child and grandchildren, it was always, “Where’s Marian?”, “my Linda” or “my Son”. Jeanette always looked forward to daily phone calls from Linda and whenever it rang, “Is that my Linda?”, while waving. She also waited for 6:00a.m. Sunday morning call while watching church services on TV waiting for the Church Van. Jeanette loved her favorite foods… fried chicken wings, crab cakes, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, lake trout, watermelon, grapes, etc. and when said, “bring me something good”, it was either a chicken box or fish sandwich. Whenever it was time to get in the car to go to the doctor’s appointments or just ride, after returning home wondered why she had to get out so soon. The highlight of the month was first Sunday knowing that Lamar was taking her and Marian along with their crew to the Hamilton Inn for dinner and if not there she was always sitting under the table of Marie for the last minute spreads hearing her say, “How’s my sweetie pooh?” She ate it up. Jeanette traveled with Marian and Linda back in May for Mother’s Day to Connecticut riding on a plane for the first time, enjoyed her time and was ready to go back. On her last Sunday she was full of joy, marching and waving her hands out of the Church. One of the pack rat is now gone and we can and will Thank God for every moment we had together and we all have loving and lasting memories to keep us in good spirits for the remainder of our lives. She will be missed by all who knew her. Jeanette leaves to honor and cherish her memory: a one and only devoted daughter, Marian Cornish; one devoted granddaughter, Linda A. Cornish; one devoted grandson, Earl E. Cornish, Jr. (Kathy); one great-grandson, three great- granddaughter, four great-great-grandsons; a loving sister, Margaret who preceded her in death on April 10, 2011 at age ninety-one, special devoted nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Jeanette Reid

January 1, 1921 - October 2, 2011