Lillie Kay Reed, 74, of Clinton, left us far too soon on Monday, May 11, 2026.

A graduate of Clinton High School's Class of 1969, she went on to earn her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Tennessee, marrying her high school sweetheart, Robert, in 1971. For more than three decades, Lillie Kay shaped young minds and hearts as an educator with Anderson County Schools and Clinton City Schools.

She was a huge part of her family's lives as well as her entire community. Lillie Kay was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton. She served at her church's food pantry where she did what she loved most: care for people. She truly was the hands and feet of Jesus. Helping people was her passion, always putting others before herself. Lillie Kay loved people and they loved her.

Anyone who knew Lillie Kay knew she had a gift: she could light up a room, making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and valued.  Lillie Kay was most in her element in the kitchen. No recipe cards needed and no measuring cups required. She cooked with her heart, creating meals that brought families together.

Preceded in death by her parents, Warren David "Dago" Foust and Mary Josephine Webber Foust; sister, Bertha Lou Foust; granddaughter, Makenzie Starr Reed; nephew, Jonathan Lamar Rhyne; mother-in-law, Evelyn Louise Freels Reed; father-in-law, Robert Wayne Reed Sr.

She will be greatly missed by her husband of 55 years, Robert Wayne Reed Jr.; children, Chrystal Reed (Johnny), Austin Reed; grandson, Johnathan "Bishop" Reed (Emily); sisters, Mary Lee Foust Cotter (Mike), Janie Yerkes Cochran (John); sister-in-law, Betty Reed Lyons and husband Charlie Lyons; nieces, Becky Lyons Lively (Chris) and Betsy Lyons Longmire (Mark); nephew, Joseph Landon Rhyne (Christy); a host of great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Receiving of friends will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Holley Gamble Funeral Home with a memorial following at 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 323 North Main Street, Clinton, TN 37716.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Reed family. www.Holleygamble.com.