H Joan Elizabeth Reed (Marshall) was born in the once great kingdom known as Detroit, Michigan on July 18, 1953. Joan was the second daughter of Gloria Beatrice Marshall and Bowman Marshall. She graduated from Roosevelt High School on Long Island, New York in 1972. In 1974 she joined the United States Navy was stationed Norfolk, Virginia. Where she became one of the first women to serve aboard Navy Warships. At some point during her career she was sent to work in Australia. Due to a paper work issue she was arrested and mistaken from a Cuban refugee. After this she was stationed in San Diego where she met her future husband Michael Reed and future brother- in- law Gerald Thomas.  Joan Reed served in the United States Army and Navy for over 20 years. Finally she retired in 1997. This retirement was not because she was tired of the job but because she didn't want to remain in Washington State anymore or be complete another deployment if she re-enlisted. Anyone who knew her would tell she had a good heart and always watched out for those around her. This is why her kids never had their own bedroom, she always made room for those that needed it. She is preceded in death by her parents Gloria and Bowman Marshall; sister Janet Morris and youngest son Cameron Reed. She is survived by her husband Michael Reed and children Corie and Christopher Reed; siblings Joyce Thomas and David Marshall. Her spirit still lives in the myriad of people who knew as Auntie, Mrs. Joan and Mama Joan. Hampton, VA.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am, Wednesday at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton with interment to follow in Albert G. Horton State Veterans Cemetery.