Katherine Reid

Obituary For Katherine Reid

Mrs. Katherine B. Reid was born on April 15, 1935, in Memphis, TN to the late Pless H. Beamon Sr. and Viola Young Beamon. She was the fifth child of six children. (four boys , one baby sister who died at six months and Katherine being the surviving girl).

Reared in a Christian home, she was influenced by an industrious mother. At an early age she joined the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, in 1952, under the leadership of the late Rev. E.V. McGhee. While at Mt. Zion she served as a Sunday School Teacher and Secretary of the Sunday School Department.

Katherine received her formative education in the public schools of Memphis, TN. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1955. After High School she worked as a nurse’s aide at John Gaston Hospital. While there she met a couple who needed a nanny for their new baby. With a spirit of adventure, she moved to New York City. It was the New York in the early 60’s… Manhattan, Central Park, China Town, and Katherine enjoyed it all. She lived in New York until returning home to Memphis to care for her mother.

Upon returning to Memphis, when walking through the park to catch the bus home from work, she met a handsome young man making deliveries for a pharmacy… Harvey Lee Reid Jr. The chance meeting led to a courtship, which blossomed into love and marriage. Harvey and Katherine were united in marriage in 1964. To this union were born two children, Demonie Lavette Reid and Harvey Lee Reid III.

When her husband was called to the ministry she served as well. She served in various capacities at Martin Temple CME, Grady Chapel CME, Johnson Chapel CME and finally as 1st Lady at New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. As 1st Lady she served faithfully as Treasure of the Mother Board, Financial Secretary of the church and Secretary of the Sunday School Class #1. After the passing of Pastor Reid, she joined Cummings Street Baptist Church in 2009, where she served faithfully until they moved from the neighborhood. Thereafter, she fellowshipped frequently at Open Door MBC and Greater Faith Christian Ministries, both on Florida Street.

In the community Katherine was a leader. In the mid-70’s she worked with the grass roots organization ACORN. For many years during election periods, she worked the polls assisting community members with voting. She was initiated into the Star Light Chapter of the Eastern Star. For over twenty-five years she was a member of the Mallory Heights Community Club, where for many years she held the position of Treasurer.

Katherine lived faithfully, sharing wisdom and knowledge, until the Lord called her home. She transitioned from this life to the next on Thursday October 9th, 2025. She is survived by her loving and devoted children, daughter, Demonie Reid Pierce-Barrett (Alton Barrett), son Harvey Lee Reid III and a very dear God-daughter Brenda Bernard. She is preceded in death by brothers Pless Beamon, Nick Beamon, Robert Beamon & Jerry Beamon. She leaves seven grandchildren, Reid Pierce, Ryan Pierce, Meia Pierce, Adana Irvine, Brandon Barrett, Miranda Barrett, and Gavin Barrett, four Great-Grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.

The family has scheduled a public viewing for Thursday October16, from 10 am until 11:55 am with service of celebration beginning 12 pm at R. S. Lewis Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Interment will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd.

These services will be live streamed via Facebook @ RS Lewis Livestream page.