Martha Louise Reed

Martha Louise (Kirkland) Reed was born in 1931 in Montgomery, Alabama to Pliny Osmond Kirkland and Janie Ruth (Balkcom). Martha moved to Jacksonville, Florida as a teenager and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School.

She worked as a draftsman for Bryson Architecture until 1957, when she married James Allen Reed (US Navy) and traveled the United States. In 1971 they returned to Florida, settling in Orange Park. From 1974 to 1994, she worked as an interviewer and field supervisor for the US Census Bureau. Upon retirement, she became a committed member of the Clay County Chapter of National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). Martha held several offices in the chapter, including President, and worked tirelessly as an advocate for retirees.

Martha spent many happy hours with the knitting/crochet group of the Clay-Dye YMCA, sharing her knowledge of yarn craft. She won several awards for her meticulous cross stitch work. Martha, who was a joy to be with and enjoyed life to the end, will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband James and son Stephen.

She is survived by her daughters Jennifer Cox & Elizabeth Reed, her grandchildren Blanche (spouse Lee), Dylan, Mitchell (spouse Alyssa), Joslin, Sarah & Stephanie Bird, and her great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in March when her remains will join her husbands at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

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