Carolyn Elizabeth Reed

Carolyn "Moonshine" Reed
2/25/35-12/14/17

The notorious "moonshine" would like us to announce that her lifelong commitment to shining Gods love for all to see and living out the bible with her heart, soul, and mind is complete. Known for saying "pretty is as pretty does", her beauty truly radiated from the inside out. Her austere beginnings in Danielsville, Georgia, where she washed her socks out every night and brushed her teeth with blackgum twigs, provided her with both humility and a sparked determination to improve lives of everyone she knew through love. It was also in this humble environment where the little girl known as Miss Anze, Sunshine, and most notably, Moonshine by her family, developed her lifelong love of gardening, animals (particularly birds), crafting and cooking . A homegrown Bulldog, she earned BS in geology and MS in geography from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, the spunky southerner left her roots and resettled in Washington, DC to begin her career as analyst for the CIA. While serving at a church social for soldiers, she met the love of her life, a young Army soldier Rod "Hotrod" Reed. Early in their relationship, she realized that her passion for serving and teaching was not being fulfilled, so she briefly returned to her home to obtain a teaching certificate, again through UGA and became an elementary school teacher for Prince Georges County Schools. Hotrod and Moonshine were married in 1960. After many years of travel and service, they began a family and moved to Hagerstown, MD in 1979. Carolyns truest passion was realized in 1970 when she first became a mother. Like all things in her life, she approached this newest, and proudest achievement with love. The witty, creative, gracious leader would be quick to remind everyone to celebrate her claiming the promise of the resurrection, for "whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Her mission continues through her family: loving husband Rod; daughter, Kara and her husband, Den Burhans, of Hagerstown; daughter, Alys, her husband, Thomas and granddaughter, Wren Dahbura of Hagerstown; and son, Ryan, his wife Kari, and granddaughters, Lily, Eva, and Kate Reed of Bluemont, VA. Her sister, Margaret and her husband, Keith Sheppard of Coopersville, MI, and beloved sister-in-laws; Leona Tyner of Anderson, SC and Audrey Lagerfeldt of Murfreesboro, TN, and a large extended family. The family is most thankful for all of those who have provided love, support and care through the years. The gratitude of the family, like the number of people who have blessed Carolyn, is immeasurable.

The family invites you to join them in honoring her during visitation at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Hagerstown on Wednesday, December 20th from 3-5pm and 7-9pm and Celebration of Life at Paramount Baptist Church, Hagerstown on Thursday, December 21st at 1pm.

The family requests that Carolyn be honored with donations in lieu of flowers. Donations to: Hospice of Washington County, Lottie Moon Offering for missions through Paramount Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.