This week, The Grenada Star spotlights 67-year-old Annie Reed of Grenada.
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on June 4, 1954, in Duck Hill.
Q: Who were your parents?
A: My parents were the late Willie and Mamie Smith.
Q: What did your parents do for a living?
A: My daddy was a farmer and my mother worked in the school cafeteria in Duck Hill.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters?
A: There were nine of us. My brothers are L.T., Samuel, Charles, John, Willie, James and Don. I had one sister and her name was Sarah.
Q: Where did you attend school?
A: I went to school in Kilmichael and Duck Hill. I finished school at Duck Hill.
Q: What do you recall most from your childhood?
A: I remember all of the family gatherings. We were a very close family and everyone stayed together.
Q: Where have you lived?
A: I lived in Duck Hill growing up and in Grenada ever since.
Q: What do you like most about Grenada?
A: Grenada’s small enough that everyone can know each other. It’s a place where you can get very familiar with everyone. It’s not a violent place like you see in other cities, it’s really a friendly town.
Q: What is your husband’s name?
A: My husband is the Rev. Nick Reed.
Q: How long have you been married?
A: We have been married for 37 years.
Q: What made your spouse the one for you?
A: It was his compassionate heart. Even before we started dating, he would keep my dad when he got sick. He would also babysit my son while I worked.
Q: What advice do you give married couples for them to have a long, healthy marriage like you have?
A: Remember your vows. Also, don’t ever give up on your marriage. No matter what it looks like, just trust God and he will carry you through it.
Q: Do you have any children?
A: I have two boys, Tyrone and Chris. I also have stepchildren, Omar, Donnell, Deon, Tremayne, Nicki, Ineka and Latonya.
Q: Where do you attend church?
A: I attend church at Greater Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Brick Academy Missionary Baptist Church.
Q: Where do you work? What is/was your role?
A: I worked at Pennaco Hosiery for 33 in the sewing department. I also worked 12 years at ADP making paneling. Today I work at Cornerstone Bookstore.
Q: Do you have any grandchildren?
A: I have 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Q: Do you do a lot of traveling?
A: I haven’t done a lot of traveling lately, especially since the pandemic. But I flew out to North Carolina to see my son. I had a great time boarding that plane and spending time up there.
Q: What inventions have you witnessed that intrigue you? Why?
A: I get so much out of my cell phone that has to be the most intriguing invention for me. I can go from FaceTiming with my children and grandchildren one minute to studying lessons for Sunday school the next.
Q: What keeps you busy these days?
A: Working at Cornerstone Christian Bookstore keeps me busy for the most part. Being the wife of a pastor also keeps me busy. Before the shut down, I enjoyed the water aerobics at the senior citizens complex and line dancing classes. I try to get my steps in everyday.
Q: What is your favorite TV show and movie? Why?
A: I love shows like “Househunters.” I love to see how those people buy and renovate those homes. When it comes to movies, I love “War Room.” You see a lot of prayer in that movie.
Q: What advice would you like to give people on staying healthy?
A: Value your body because it’s the temple of God. Take care of it and do the best you can so you can serve the Lord. Pray and meditate – you need to spend that quality time with God.
~ By: Reggie Ross
