Barbara Sue Reed

Barbara Sue (May) Reed, passed away on October 16, 2026, at the age of 84 surrounded by her loving family. Barbara was born in Indianapolis, IN on July 7, 1942, to her parents, Albert and Genevieve (Turner) May, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School.

Barbara was deeply devoted to her faith and her family. A servant at heart, she spent countless hours volunteering at her church, local schools, and area nursing homes, always seeking new ways to lift others up. Her loving spirit shone brightest in her affection for children and dogs, who were naturally drawn to her warmth and gentle nature. Barbara found true joy in the simple pleasures of life—basking in the warm sunshine and tenderly nurturing her beautiful plants and flowers.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Genevieve; son, Edwin Jr (Baby Honey); and nine brothers and sisters.

Barbara is survived by her children: Sharon (Robert) Jinks, Karon Spellman, Melissa Flores, Regina (Sean) Howe, Patrick (Patricia) Spellman; grandchildren: Robert (Abigale) Jinks, Anthony Jinks, Justin (Emily) Spellman, Savannah Spellman, Joseph (Colleen) Flores, Emily (Salvador) Flores, Cayden Howe, Brittney Wright, and Grace Spellman, and; great-grandchildren: Liliana, Oliver, Camila, Hadley, Isabella, Mason, Bryson, and Declan; sibling: Paul (Sue) May; and many other beloved friends. Barbara was also embraced and loved by many of the caregivers at Brandywine Assisted Living Facility who became her extended family over the last five years of her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Little Flower Catholic Church, 4720 E 13th St, Indianapolis, IN. Burial will follow mass in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to honor Barbara’s memory and kind spirit by performing an act of kindness in your local community. Deliver a meal to a neighbor, visit residents in a nursing home, volunteer at a local shelter, or simply extend an unexpected kindness to someone in need.