Walter Jean Lamb Reed

Published 1:16 pm Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Jan. 6, 1935 – Feb. 2, 2025

Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”

NATCHEZ – Services for Walter Jean Lamb Reed, 90, of Oxford, will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris McAlilly officiating.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the service time on Saturday at the church.

Burial will follow at Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Walter Jean Lamb Reed entered this world on Jan. 6, 1935, and peacefully left her earthly home on Feb. 2, 2025, to be welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father.

A proud graduate of University High School in Oxford, MS in 1953. Walter Jean pursued her passion for education at Millsaps College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Early Education in 1957. While at Millsaps, she was a cherished member of the Millsaps Singers, a reflection of her love for music and community. Following graduation, she dedicated her life to shaping young minds, teaching at Carpenter No. 2 and Trinity Episcopal Day School in Natchez. She also served as Director of the Children’s Ministry at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville, TN, sharing her unwavering faith and love for nurturing children.

Walter Jean was a lifelong, devoted member of Jefferson Street United Methodist Church in Natchez and Oxford University United Methodist Church in Oxford, MS. She was a dedicated servant to the United Methodist Women and served as the District Chair. She was an active and dedicated member of the Natchez Garden Club and served in numerous positions. She found great joy in fellowship, music, and service. In her free time, she loved playing bridge and sharing laughter with those around her—her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

For 65 beautiful years, she was the beloved wife of Bryant Reed Jr., a partnership built on love, faith, and unwavering devotion. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Janet Lamb Reed, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lamb of Oxford, MS.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Walter, Jena Wetzel (T.J.), and Jesselyn, as well as her adoring grandchildren, Callie Beauston (Casey), Catie Reed, and Courtney John Wetzel. She was also a devoted sister to Jesselyn Lamb, a bond of sisterhood that never wavered.

Walter Jean was the heartbeat of her family, a guiding light who filled every room with love, wisdom, and laughter. She was known for her signature “flea claps and gold stars”, small tokens of encouragement that left a profound impact on those lucky enough to receive them.

Her 90 years on this earth were a gift—one that her family and friends will forever cherish. Though she is no longer by our side, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched, the lessons she imparted, and the love she gave so freely.

Walter Jean Lamb Reed’s legacy is one of faith, joy, and unwavering love—a life truly well lived.

Pallbearers will be T.J. Wetzel, Casey Beauston, Mark Fortenbery, Sim Mosby, Cole Mosby, David Pyron, Bill Darsey and Kent Darsey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Natchez Garden Club for the Preservation Society of Ellicott’s Hill.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.