Sylvia Ellen Reid

Deaconess Sylvia Ellen Reid was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 22nd, 1969, to Arthur James Keenan and Margie Ham Keenan. She was raised in Washington DC but finished high school in South Carolina. She graduated from Hannah-Pamplico High School in 1989. She then attended business school for a few months before she began working as a Home Health Aide, Nurse’ Aide and housekeeper for over 20 years. Although health issues sidelined her professionally, she still kept the same attitude of serving others in her personal and spiritual life. She was a former member of His Church in Washington DC, under the leadership of Pastor Russell Weaver, where she was baptized in 1996. She became a member of The Divine Church of Deliverance and Transformation Holiness, under the leadership of Chief Apostle Brian E. Outlaw, Sr., D.D. since Oct. 8th, 2006, the first day she attended. She was then baptized again a month later on Nov. 25th. As a member of this ministry, she wore many hats with pride. She participated in the Divine Vessels Women’s Ministry, Pastoral Aide Committee, Usher Ministry, Spirit of Voices choir member, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Cleaning Committee, Kitchen Committee, and was part of the ministerial staff. Due to her years of loyal discipleship and godly servitude, she was ordained as a Deaconess in 2022. She had pride in the fact that she was working for the Kingdom of God, and it showed in the way that she served him. Deaconess Reid was known for her unwavering faith through many surgeries and health issues, her unstoppable praise despite any pain or illness and her catchphrase, “There it go!”. She also was known by her nickname, “Mary J”, that was given to her due to her elegant dresses and wigs, a nickname that she wore with pride. Although she loves to be “Elegant”, wearing her best wigs, her nicest sunglasses and her prettiest hats, she had no problem taking off the glasses and throwing off the wig to give God praise! Deaconess Reid was known to always have an encouraging word, an amazing sense of humor, and was extremely dedicated to her family and her ministry. If there was ever a need that she witnessed, she would step in and take care of it. She was also known as a fierce, strong individual, fighting on behalf of herself and others, and not allowing anything to defeat her. She was truly an individual who many have gained strength from over the years and the ripple effect of her life is felt by many far and wide. Deaconess Reid was preceded in death by her grandparents Edgar & Christina Ham; parents, Arthur Keenan and Margie Keenan, sister, Theresa Smith; uncles, Edward, John, Eugene and Joseph Ham; aunts, Mary Laws and Ernestine Ham and her best friend, Maria Dailey. Deaconess Reid was survived by her children, Stephenie of Suffolk, VA. and Cheylaina Eaddy of Raleigh, NC; Grandsons, Frankie and Kyle Kerson; Siblings, James Keenan and Katina Keenan of Washington D.C., Jimmie and Tony Ham of South Carolina; Aunts, Esther Graham of Florence, SC and Lou Wright (Johnnie) of Florence, SC; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, church family and friends. A celebration of life will be held Noon, Saturday, July 1, 2023 at The Devine Church of Deliverance and Transformation Holiness Church. Bishop Brian Outlaw, Sr. will deliver the message of comfort. She will be laid to rest in Carver Memorial Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sylvia Ellen Reid, please visit our flower store.