Estella Elizabeth Hunt-Reed was born Saturday, Jan. 15, 1921 in Meridian to Cornelius and Della Hunt, who later moved their family to Enid, Okla.
Estella Hunt was united in holy matrimony to George E. Reed Sr. and to their union was born one son, George E. Reed Jr.
The family moved to Isola in 1946 to start their fruitful lives which subsequently became the catalyst to decades of entrepreneurship and service in the Mississippi Delta.
As a leader in the business communities across the Mississippi Delta, Estella received many awards, recognitions and accolades. During her many years serving as an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, her primary goal was to get many young African American girls accepted annually into Girls State to grow their political knowledge and open doors. Her greatest contribution to the Advancement of Colored People was creating a safe space to house and host Freedom Riders as they passed through Sunflower County during the Civil Rights era.
Estella was preceded in death by: her caring and devoted parents, Cornelius and Della Hunt; her loving husband, George E. Reed Sr.; two beautiful sisters, Josephine King and Lillian Steppes; two handsome brothers, Robert Hunt and Martin Tutt; her loving daughter-in-law, Hazel Reed; and two granddaughters, Develyn Hamilton and Finnie Baggett.
Estella leaves to cherish her memories: her loving and devoted son, George E. Reed Jr. of Indianola; ten grandchildren, George Reed III, T. Barnett, Kendrick Reed, Marcus Reed, Kimberly Reed, Clarence Hamilton, Mary L. Jones, Patsy White, Marian Hamilton and Dudley Davidson; and a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends.
She made her peaceful and graceful transition on Thursday April 16, 2020.
Estella’s quaint and intimate graveside service was held at 12 noon Wednesday, April 22 at Riverside Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Adoris Turner officiating.
Byas Funeral Home, Indianola was in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.byasfuneralhomes.com
