Joan Belle Reed

Joan Belle Reed

May 28, 1942 - June 27, 2024

In loving memory of Joan Belle Reed

Joan Belle Reed, died on June 27, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina, after a brief illness. 

Born in Asheville, NC on May 28, 1942, she was the daughter of Earl Reginald Wolcott and Dixie Margaret Taylor. Predeceased by her husband, Daniel “Dick” Marvin Reed, Joan is survived by her sister, Elaine Dixie Hodge of Greensboro, NC, her niece, Amy Hodge Cummings, of Greensboro, NC and nephew, Charles Hodge of Atlanta, GA.

Joan is also survived by her sister-in-law, Dixie Gooch Goswami (Bhuvenesh) of Clemson SC and nieces and nephews: Sara June Goldstein (Francis) of Columbia, SC; James Gooch of Clemson, SC; Meri Helen Gooch Goswami of Central, SC; Tom Platt (Charlotte) of Clemson, SC; Carol Collins of Clemson, SC; Richard Reeves of Pendleton, SC; and great-nieces and nephews:  Leah Gooch, Meredith Koparova, Sara Mallory Reeves, Lillian Reeves, Jeremy Gooch, Emily Gooch, Lesley Gooch, Katherine Boyes, and Annie Platt.  She also leaves behind many great-great nieces and nephews.

Joan did most of her growing up in Charleston, South Carolina. Her love of work started early – she took her first job with an advertising agency while she was still in high school. She continued her education at the University of South Carolina, where she was editor of the college newspaper while pursuing a degree in journalism and working in fashion retail on the side.

In later years, Joan served as advertising director of San Diego Magazine and established the Joan Reed agency for public relations, marketing and promotional events in La Jolla, CA. She continued her professional work in Moscow and Kyiv before returning to South Carolina.

Joan loved reading, traveling, art, fashion, and writing and sharing her poetry. She was known for her generous, compassionate, and hopeful spirit.

Joan will be remembered by family and friends for the kindness and care and fun she brought to others. She lit up the places she entered with her unique style, enthusiasm and joy.

Joan’s family thanks all of the Finlay House staff, including Russ Bell, Kay Knight, Valorie McDaniel, Tim Tucker, Princess Walker --- and especially her friend and caretaker for the past two years, Catherine Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Richland Library Main’s Homebound Book Delivery Program.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Please share memories and messages on the online guest book by clicking on the “Leave A Tribute” tab above.

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