Gaynell D. (Dunn) Reed

GAYNELL D. REED

Gaynell D. Reed, 92, of Jasper, Tennessee, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 25, 2026.  Born on August 9, 1933, in Pleasant View, Alabama, Gaynell was the cherished daughter of Ray Dunn and Carrie Adams Dunn. Her life was marked by devotion to her family, her work, her faith, and the many people whose lives she touched with kindness and grace.  Gaynell was married to the late John Alvin Reed, with whom she shared a loving and steadfast partnership until his passing. Throughout her working years, she built a respected career, serving as a Secretary for the Tennessee Valley Authority. Her professional journey also included roles at Cutter Laboratories and Combustion Engineering, Inc., all in Chattanooga. In addition to her corporate work, Gaynell embraced entrepreneurship as the owner of Anchor Inn Bait & Tackle in Haletown, Tennessee, where she welcomed customers with her characteristic warmth.  A woman of strong faith, Gaynell was of the Baptist tradition and lived her beliefs through compassion, humility, and service. She graduated from Pisgah High School in Pisgah, Alabama, and later from Edmondson Business College in Chattanooga, Tennessee, preparing herself for a life of hard work and dedication.

Gaynell found joy in the simple, meaningful pleasures of life. She loved cooking, often sharing meals that brought family and friends together, and she delighted in traveling, exploring new places with curiosity and appreciation.  She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and the love she poured into every chapter of her life.

Gaynell is preceded in death by her father, Ray Dunn; mother, Carrie Adams Dunn; husband, John Alvin Reed; and son, Michael Don Reed; brother, Garvis Lee Dunn.

Left to cherish her memories are two men she shared a cherished bond with and considered them her sons, Rickey Scott, David Prophater; special friends, Sherry Gault, Dorothy Ridley, Charlotte Reed; special cousin, Sherry Broome; several other family members and friends.

Visitation is Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 Noon CST at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper, Tennessee.

There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 1:00 pm CST at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens, 2371 Co Rd 88, Pisgah, Alabama with Pastor David Prophater officiating.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee 37347, 423-942-9500.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tatefh.com.

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