Virginia (Missy) Woodard Reed's Obituary
Missy Reed, 69, died at Washington Regional Hospital on October 27, 2020 after a lengthy, courageous battle with rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. She was born on March 18, 1951, in Tulsa, OK, the daughter of William (Bill) Campbell Woodard, Sr. and Elizabeth Miller Harth Woodard.
In high school, Missy was a cheerleader and a member of the Wing-T girls' group. She was in the 1967 graduating class at Rogers High School. She then went on to attend the University of Arkansas; graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a master's in Vocational Education.
Missy spent the next 32 years of her life teaching elementary school children in Fayetteville, Rogers, and Pendleton, South Carolina. Twenty-five of those years were devoted to Special Education, where she not only thrived, but was known as an advocate for children with special needs. Christmas was an important holiday for Missy. While teaching at Butterfield Elementary in Fayetteville, she learned that some of her students weren't going to be able to celebrate Christmas due to their family's financial situations. Upon discovering that, Missy moved heaven and earth to make sure her students and their siblings had presents under the tree and food in their bellies. As each year passed, the program grew larger and larger becoming available to any family with students on reduced lunch.
While raising her two children, Missy began tutoring students after school to provide for her own family. These students and their families were grateful to have her support, time, and hugs. She was always thinking about how she could care for others.
After retirement, Missy and her long-time friends, Allison Pomfret Thompson and Margie Pomfret Farber started a business, MAM Mascots. They learned much about importing, marketing, selling, and distributing collegiate licensed products including plush toys. They had a lot of fun traveling the region and exploring this business venture. While it didn't make them millions, it did bring smiles to millions.
Another thing that brought her great pleasure upon retiring (or graduating as she would say) was having coffee daily with her 'Coffee Girls' group at Panera Bread. This daily act of coffee amongst friends always lifted her spirits. The special bond shared with her friends was priceless.
Missy learned to play bridge in college and continued playing the rest of her life. Through time, her bridge group learned they also all had an interest in slot machines. They would take frequent visits 'out west' to the casino where she and her like-minded sidekicks would try to beat the house. She never hit the big one, but she loved trying.
Sports were central to Missy's youth, and her passion for them never ended. Having fun was always the goal for Missy. Competition came second. If there was ever a Razorback game on the TV or Radio, she was there to listen. She loved her cats, flowers, and gardening. Above all, family came first for Missy. She will always be known in our hearts as a woman of great character, strength, and love.
Missy is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Julia Elizabeth (Beth) Reed; and sister-in-law, Linda Woodard. Survivors include her son, William McCoy Reed of Fayetteville; brother, William (Bill) Campbell Woodard, Jr. of Springfield, MO; sisters, Marianne (Molly) Woodard Harris, husband Thomas Harris both of Bella Vista; Julia Woodard Melson of Rogers. Missy was blessed with two nephews, Curtis Weber and Chris Weber; and two nieces Marianne Melson Sanders and Mattye Elizabeth Melson. She is also survived by many friends who have become “family” to all of us.
Due to Covid-19, a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
To sign and online guestbook, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.
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