Isadora L. Reid

Isadora Loretta Reid, affectionately known as “Issie,” was born on February 2, 1930, in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Charlotte E. Belardo and Jose H. Belardo, Sr. She passed away peacefully at Miami Valley Hospital South on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, with her loving family by her side. With a powerhouse of life packed inside her small frame, Isadora was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and devoted friend who shared herself with all those who were graced by her presence.

Dedicated to education and life experience, Isadora graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Charleston, South Carolina. She later moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where she graduated from Norfolk State College with an Associate in Business Management degree.

Isadora married her devoted husband, Richard Evans Reid, Sr., on February 12, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norfolk. Isadora and Richard’s union was blessed with four children: Donna Marie, Lisa, Richard Jr., and Roscita.

Isadora worked diligently at the Dayton Board of Education, and touched many lives by her work as the head records secretary at Nettie Lee Roth High School and Colonel White High School.

As a testament to her love of God and belief in good, Isadora was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Benedict The Moor Church. She served her church in many capacities including the Bereavement Ministry and Altar Rosary Society.

The way that Isadora connected with others made her a special force in many lives. She was a warm and compassionate person who enjoyed cooking, attending family dinners, and events. She especially enjoyed sewing for herself and her wonderful grandchildren, who were graced by the special bathrobes or pajamas made with love by Grandma Isadora.

Isadora is preceded in death by her parents, Charlotte E. Belardo and Jose H. Belardo, Sr., husband, Richard Evans Reid, Sr., daughter, Donna Marie Reid, son, Richard Evans Reid, Jr., sister, Barbara B. Pretlow, sister-in-law, Annie Belardo, and devoted companion, Earl Antonio Kelley, and devoted friend Roberta Hickman.

Isadora leaves to cherish her memory, two loving daughters: Lisa (Linsey) Earl and Roscita Reid; five grandchildren: Nateka (Christopher) Diggs, Devon Mack, Ashley (Larry) Bailey, Richard Evans Reid, III, Anissa Earl; great grandchildren: Cierra (William) Pippins and Christopher Diggs Jr.; and great-great grandchildren: Misael Casmir Pippins, Hendrix Kash Bailey, Amado Yohance Pippins. She leaves special daughter and son, Kathie (Ernest) Henderson; special son, Kevin Cheesebrough; sisters: Joan Parsons; Gloria (Andrew) Neal, Rosetta Beslow; and brother, Jose Belardo, Jr.

Special family and friends include Nancy Rutledge and family, Donna Burroughs, Dianne Jones, Billy Burroughs, Carol Coleman, Eileen and Thomas Scott and family, Michelle and Garry Knight, Evangeline Donnelly, Pat Bell, Robert Odon, Kim and Scott Campbell and family, Kim Cordell-Fife and family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 519 Liscum Dr., Dayton, OH. Visitation 10:30 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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