Peggy Sue Reed

Peggy Sue Reed, age 78, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully, with family at her side, at the UTMC Palliative Care unit on April 24, 2025. She is in her eternal home. Peggy was born at her home in Hiwannee, Mississippi on October 5, 1946, to Lura Lowery Finch and Al Finch, Sr. She graduated from William Carey University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. She met her husband Jim Reed in Mobile, Alabama when she was a teacher, and he was on his first assignment as an FBI agent. They married and five months later moved to Fairfax, VA for his work in D.C. where Peggy resumed teaching. After starting their family and spending 15 years in Virginia, they relocated to Knoxville, TN, for Jim’s career change and to raise their 3 children. Peggy was a devoted mother and homemaker for 15 years plus an elementary school teacher for 20 years. She retired teaching from Blue Grass Elementary in Knoxville. She had a love for all children, and many second and third graders benefited from her ability to teach according to their individual learning and emotional needs. In recent years, Peggy was a Deacon at Central Baptist Church of Bearden, a member of the choir, and she volunteered with Heart Sing and English Language Learning through her church. She had a heart to serve others. She was preceded in death by her parents Al and Lura Finch, brothers Al, John and David Finch, and sister Jo Anne McIlwain. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jim Reed; her brother, Ronald (Peggy) Finch; in laws, Frances Finch, Frank (Nancy) Reed, Ellen Reed; many beloved nieces and nephews; her daughter, Danna (Jesse) Bush; son, Brian (Jenny) Reed; and daughter Julie (Seth) Bowman. Her grandchildren are Alana and Mitchell Bush, Hazel & William Reed, and Lydia & Reed Bowman. Peggy’s Memorial Service will be held at Central Baptist Church of Bearden in Knoxville, TN on May 17th,2025 at 2:00 with visitation beginning at noon. She had a private burial with family at Edgewood Cemetery in Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Baptist Church of Bearden.

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Peggy Sue Reed

October 5, 1946 - April 24, 2025