Charlene Reed (81) of Mattoon

Charlene Reed, 81, of Mattoon, Illinois, passed away in the early hours of Thursday, November 30, 2023. She has joined her heavenly family and now walks among angels. Despite a battle with Lyme disease since 1995, she faced her health struggles with unwavering strength, placing her trust in the Lord.

Charlene was born on February 2, 1942, in Beecher City, the daughter of Mose and Felda (Rhoades) Reed. Charlene, a hard-working single mother who retired from the State of Illinois, dedicated her life to raising her three children, making her family the center of her world. As the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, Charlene created cherished memories with them during weekend trips to the Amish country, garage sales, Cracker Barrel, and Rockome Gardens. Her kindness extended to her role as a mother-in-law, exemplified by her patient endeavor to teach one of her daughters-in-law to drive a manual shift car, a task that surely tested her endless patience! Renowned for her impeccable penmanship and timeless elegance, Charlene's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She is survived by Monte (Carolyn) McManigell of Taylorville, Chris (Jennifer) McManigell of Kentucky and Tamara Hayden of Peoria; seven grandchildren, Emily (Matthew) Sheedlo, Taylor (Keelie) McManigell, Anna (David) Gentle, Kristina McManigell, Sarah (Mish) Aldiab, Jacob McManigell and Lindsay Meyer and eight great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, four sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 4, 2023, in Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City with Pastor Taylor McManigell officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in Beecher City Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her parents. For those who wish to express their sympathy in the form of a gift, the family kindly requests flowers or memorials may be given in Charlene’s honor to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story by clicking here.