Mary lived a life of JOY (Jesus, Others and You), which she shared with everyone she met.

On October 10, 1961 Mary Elizabeth Reid was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up in Oak Park, Illinois where she graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High school in 1979 and matriculated to Howard University in Washington D.C. (H U - You know!). While at Howard, Mary was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in 1983 on the Impervious 54. She earned her BS degree in Social Work and returned to earn her MSW. Life brought her to the Cincinnati area where she began to spread her joy. Her journey in Cincinnati included many different places of employment. As a life long learner, in 2000 Mary decided to challenge herself and pursue a law degree. She moved back to Oak Park, Illinois and attended John Marshall School of Law, and earned her JD in 2004. Later that year she returned to Cincinnati where she continued to spread her joy around the city.

Mary’s love for life led her to embrace many roles. She was an author, a professor, an attorney, a poet, and an adventure seeker. More than anything, she was someone who truly cared about people. She spent much of her life helping others, both in her everyday life and through her work with St. Vincent de Paul, where she gave her time and her heart to those in need. She believed in showing up for people, lending a hand, and making sure no one felt alone.

She was a loving mom, sister, and friend. Everyone she met became family, and that family meant everything to her. Mary was always there when you needed her. Whether it was a conversation, a laugh, or just sitting together, Mary had a way of making people feel joy and love when they were around her.

People will remember Mary for her smile, her laughter, and her natural ability to fill a room with joy. She will always be admired for her immense kindness, her strength, and the way she treated everyone with respect and compassion. She didn’t need recognition for the things she did. She simply did them because that’s the way the Lord created her.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents Henry and Sherlynn Reid. She is survived by her son Henry Ryan Reid, her sisters; Dorothy Reid, Lorie Fuller (Reid) brother-in-law Cederick Fuller, nephews; Connor and Isiaiah Fuller, each who will continue to carry her love with them every day.

As we all process the quickness of Mary’s retirement, the family encourages others to spread joy, donate to charities, and make the world a kinder place one action at a time.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 3:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Reid family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Reid family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.