Irena Mae (Bolton) Reed

Irena Mae Bolton-Reed was born to the late Douglas and Emma Mae (Bomar) Bolton on September 3, 1937 in Dickson, Tennessee.  She was reared in a loving Christian home.  As a child she attended with her family the Bowman Chapel United Methodist Church (named in honor of her Great-Great Grandmother, Anna Bowman). In 1946 The Bolton family relocated to South Bend, IN where they united with the Grace A.M.E. Zion Church.  She was united in marriage to the late Herman Owens Jr.  On Christmas Eve of 1955, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Clyde Reed. The Lord blessed this union with a loving family of nine. In December of 1962, the Reed family united with Cherry Street Church of God In Christ under the pastoral leadership of Bishop John Harrington.   There she was graced with numerous spiritual gifts. She was endowed with wisdom and revelation as a Sunday School Teacher and an Intercessory Prayer Team member.  After her husband’s illness, the family returned to Grace A.M.E. Zion Church where she served in various areas of the ministry.

Having received her formal education in the South Bend Community Schools, Mother Reed furthered her education at Ivy Tech State College, where she earned a certificate of Secretarial Studies and Computer Technology.  Mother Reed retired after 23 years of employment at the Family & Children’s Center.  She refurbished the workforce at the St. Joseph County Red Cross Association and Catholic Charities via Real Services in 2003.  In October of 1991, Mother united with the New Hope M.B. Church under the pastoral leadership of her son Bishop Stephen Reed. There she was active in the Northwestern District Missionary Baptist Association serving faithfully in its Mission’s Department.  She was also a lead vocalist of the New Hope Sanctuary Choir where she melodiously soloed with deep and moving assurance her signature song, “God Cares For You.”  Mother Reed served faithfully as President of the Mother’s Board where she instituted the Annual Community Women’s Ecumenical Prayer Week, uniting women of all faiths in daily prayer.  She also penned her gift of playwriting. Among her many written plays, topping the list, she penned her final inspiring theatrical play entitled “On the Way to the Cross” which depicted a moving enactment of Jesus’ final days leading to the crucifixion.  

Mother Reed was a charter member of the Rhema Word International Outreach Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Reed. There she was also president of the Mother’s Board of which she vigorously embraced each assignment with faith in God.

 Her tenure as Church Mother was dutifully poised with dignity, honor and godly esteem until the Lord called her home.  Mother Reed’s devotion to the Christian faith was a witness to the community whereby was selected among Michiana’s Blessed Gospel Magazine’s 2016 Christian Awardees.

No obituary can adequately appraise the life, love and legacy of Mother Irena Reed who was mother and spiritual mentor to many. Her infectious smile; her kind and affectionate spirit, which permeated the hearts of many, will be greatly missed and forever cherished in our hearts.  Awaiting her entrance through Heaven’s gates are her husband, Clyde Sr.; son, Clyde Jr. Parents; Douglas and Emma Mae Bolton. Brothers; Lloyd Wilbert and Roy Lee Bolton and many other loved ones, family and friends.  She leaves to cherish her loving memory devoted daughters: Florine Jennings, Letha L. (Elder Anthony) Brown, Brenda A. Reed, Stephanie Reed and all of South Bend.  Loving sons:  Lloyd D. (Emma) Owens II, Lester L. Owens, Robert Lynn Reed and Bishop Stephen Reed, all of South Bend; A grandson whom she reared; Robert L. Reed, Jr. 23 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren. Sister: Deloris A. Smith, Kalamazoo, MI. Brother: Rev. Dr. H. Dwight Bolton of Port Chester, NY.  Aunts: Ernestine Holt, Lois Harmon and Eudora Harmon. Special nieces; Kim Dunning, JoAnn Pulliam and Myra Newsome. Sisters-in-law; Rev. Carrie Bolton, Ruth (George) O’Neal, Lois (Leon) Davis, Francis Herrell, Lowree (Wiley) Ware. Devoted friends: Callena Irby, Mary Armstrong and Peggy Jennings; the Rhema Word International family and a host of other relatives and friends which are too numerous to note.

Mother  Reed   loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, and soul.  Her love for Christ was evidenced by her faithfulness, her compassion and indiscriminate love for all mankind.  And whereas the tides of time have ceased and life’s blazing sun has set in the life of one precious soul. We bid farewell to a loving and faithful servant, Mother Irena M. Reed, who now sits at the celestial table of Christ ready to receive her crown eternal.

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