Leona Kirkner Reed, 89, of Christiansburg died peacefully surrounded by her family, Sunday, March 22, 2020, at her home. She was born in Pilot, Va., on Dec. 19, 1930, to the late Harry and Mary Ratcliff Kirkner. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ord Reed, her second husband, Clifford Lovern, a son, Gerald Reed, a daughter, Sarah Reed, brothers Harvey, Hanford, Harry Jr., and Robert; and her sisters Katherine, Billye, Margaret and Virginia.
She was a foster mother to many children and took care of other ill family members including her parents and her husband, Ord.
Mrs. Reed was well known for more than 40 years from Washington, D.C., to Florida for her beautiful cakes. She was very active in her church and loved to cook. Leona had a feisty personality, laughed easily and loved unconditionally.
She is survived by her daughters, Wanda Gardner, Melinda Simpkins and Kimberly Barefoot, her husband, Jeff; her sons, Stephen Reed and wife, Rita, Edward Reed, Michael Reed; and eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give special thanks to her granddaughter caregivers, Kellie and Stephanie, and Good Samaritan Hospice. Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Sunset Cemetery with grandson Jared Gardner, the Rev. Danny Collins, and the Rev. Neal Turner officiating. A memorial service will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimers Association or Good Samaritan Hospice. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
