Joel Wilson Reed

Joel Wilson Reed was born on July 26, 1983, in Queens, New York, to Joeann Linda McCray and Lowell Reed. From an early age, he was immersed in a strong Christian community that would become a lifelong source of faith, guidance, and support.

Joel was raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, where he received his education at the Jamaica Learning Center. A gifted and creative individual, he studied a multidisciplinary arts program and achieved the distinction of having one of his paintings displayed at LaGuardia Airport. His talent and curiosity were evident from a young age.

Joel began his professional career as an Inventory Specialist with Regis in New York City. During this time, he embraced one of the greatest blessings of his life—becoming a father to his beautiful daughter, Anaiya Reed.

In 2011, Joel relocated to Richmond, Virginia, where he continued building a life centered on family, faith, and purpose. Soon after, he welcomed his second beautiful daughter, Sophia Reed. Determined to advance his career, Joel furthered his education and became a licensed electrician in the Commonwealth of Virginia. He proudly worked as an electrician with Local 666 until his passing, fulfilling a dream that had been years in the making.

As a child, Joel was known for taking things apart around the house—especially anything electrical—only to put them back together again. What once seemed like childhood curiosity became the foundation of a successful and rewarding career.

When life presented challenges, Joel often drew strength from the prayers and faith he learned in childhood, finding his way back to God time and time again. He became a devoted member of Liberation Church in Richmond, Virginia, where he deepened his relationship with Christ and found a loving church family.

It was through this season of faith that Joel met and married his beloved wife, Tamela P. Reed. Reflecting on their life together, Tamela shares:
"God began writing a chapter in my life that I will cherish forever. Through every season, every challenge, every triumph, and every setback, my love for Joel never ceased."

Joel was truly the life of every family gathering, celebration, and social event. His quick wit, infectious laughter, and joyful spirit brought smiles to everyone around him. He loved making people laugh and had a remarkable ability to light up a room. Above all else, Joel deeply loved his family—especially his daughters. He worked tirelessly to protect, provide for, and support those he loved.

Today, we find comfort in knowing that Joel is with the Lord, safe in His loving arms. Though his passing was tragic and leaves an immeasurable void, we rejoice in the assurance that Heaven has welcomed another faithful soldier. Joel touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, laughter, and devotion that will never be forgotten.

Joel was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joel Lee McCray and Alma Maxwell; his paternal grandparents, Caretha Reed and Wilson Disher Reed; his aunt, Mary Johnson; and his uncles, Wilson McCray and George McCray Jr.

His memory will forever be cherished by his loving wife, Tamela P. Reed of Richmond, Virginia; his two beautiful daughters, Anaiya Reed of Brooklyn, New York, and Sophia Reed of Richmond, Virginia; his mother, Joeann Linda McCray, and father, Lowell Reed, both of Queens, New York; his siblings, Jamel McCray, Natasha McCray of Brooklyn, New York, and Jessica McCray of Atlanta, Georgia; along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who loved him deeply.

Though Joel's earthly journey has ended, his love, laughter, faith, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.