Delores (Rhyne) Neal-Reed, 81, ran joyfully to the arms of Jesus on Oct. 2, 2024.

Delores was born in Knoxville on May 12, 1943, to Miles and Violet Rhyne. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Louise Rhyne, and brother Duane Rhyne. She is survived by husband, Jack Reed, children Jay Neal (Gretchen), Terry Neal (Robin), and Melisa Smith (Marc), siblings Patricia Johnson (Butch), M.W. Rhyne Jr (Susie), Stanley Rhyne (Sandy), Denise Barlow (Jeff), sister-in-law Carole Rhyne, grandchildren Jessica Woods (Josh), Brittney Tomczak (Justin), Brandon Neal, Madison Iannaccone (Jeff), Ryan Neal, Trey Smith (Alexis), and Trysten Van Fleet (Branson), 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Delores enjoyed a career in the Department of Education at the University of Tennessee. A long-time member of Clinton Wesleyan Church, Delores pursued Jesus, her family, and community fiercely and faithfully.  In addition to being widely known for her generosity, she is remembered as a gifted singer, pianist, sewer, and baker. Her presence greatly improved any place or gathering she was part of, and her friendship and prayers (and homemade sourdough bread) were coveted by all. Delores fed, clothed, and provided needed items to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike, without hesitation.

Delores' faith in God, her love for her family, and her delight in life allowed her to fight a decades-long illness with hope and poise, which was inspiring to all. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy of compassion will continue to brighten this world for generations.

The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5:00-6:30pm with funeral service at 6:30pm, with Rev. Jay Neal officiating.  Interment will be at Mt. Herman United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Choices Resource Center where Delores volunteered.

Choices Resource Center

PO Box 7001

Oak Ridge, TN 37831

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

www.holleygamble.com