Caroline M (Carlson) Reed

     Caroline M. Reed, age 84, passed away on March 11, 2024 at home with her family.  She was born on July 4, 1939 in Concord, Nebraska to Emil and Hannah Carlson.   Her family moved to Southern California during her high school years where she graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego.  It was in California where she met Donald Reed, fell in love and married on November 27, 1958. Donald and Caroline eventually moved back to Harrisburg, Illinois in 1967 and then to Galatia in 1983. 

     Even though she was a woman small in stature, Caroline was a giant in her walk with the Lord.  She modeled the life of faith and love for God, family and others.  Caroline was a homemaker and a servant in so many ways.  She served First Church of God as a Sunday School teacher of all ages, youth leader, church pianist, soloist, on the Board of Trustees, cook for the Jolly Time Day Care center and president of the local Women of the Church of God group.  Caroline also served 2 terms as the Illinois State President of the Women of the Church of God.  

     Anyone who met Caroline was touched by her wisdom, sweet spirit, wonderful cooking, and organizational skills. Don and Caroline loved to travel and entertain and always helped those in need.  Most of all, her love for Donald, her children and grandchildren shone brightly.

     Family members who preceded her in death include parents Emil and Hannah Carlson, brother Steve (SuAnne) Carlson and bother-in-law JD DeSpain. Caroline is survived by her husband, Donald, a brother, Phillip (Dianne) Carlson and sister Ilene DeSpain; children, Denise (Danny) Cooper, Brenda (David) Caruthers, Karen (Phil) Anderson, and Jason (Amanda) Reed. Grandchildren include: Mary Hannah Cooper, Riley Cooper, Peter Cooper, Aaron Caruthers, Brett Anderson, Grant Anderson, Luke Reed and Sofia Reed.  Great-grandchildren include: Ella Caruthers, Roland Caruthers, Ava Jo Anderson and Chase Anderson and many nieces and nephews. 

     Funeral services for Caroline M. Reed will be held at 11 AM, Friday, March 15, 2024 at the First Church of God in Harrisburg. Rev. Troy Bennett and Rev. Ron Reed will officiate and burial will follow in Spring Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 11 AM, Friday, March 15, 2024 at the First Church of God in Harrisburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God and envelopes will be available at the church.

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