Joan Lee (Sherman) Reed

Joan Lee Reed, née Sherman, of Cuba, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of 91 years, 1 month, and 22 days.

Joan was born on May 1, 1935, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Benjamin P. Sherman and Mary Melinda Sherman, née Morris. She was raised in the Catholic faith and later returned to it in adulthood.

A lifelong believer in the power of education, Joan graduated from Bonne Terre High School before earning her Bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri–Rolla and later a Master's degree in English from Southwest Missouri State University.  She has said that in her first grade classroom was the first time she ever felt truly safe. Her teaching career began in a one-room schoolhouse and expanded to substitute teaching throughout a fifty-mile radius of her home. She later taught at the University of Missouri–Rolla and Columbia University, sharing her love of language, literature, and learning with countless students.  She held that “If it isn’t in Shakespeare, Twain, or the Bible, it doesn’t matter."

On October 4, 1980, Joan married Ernest George Reed in Florissant, Missouri. They shared many happy years together until his passing in 2012.

Joan was a woman of remarkable intelligence, curiosity, and determination. Well-read and highly educated, she was never afraid to express her opinions or use an impressive vocabulary to make her point. She possessed a larger-than-life personality, filling every room she entered with her presence, wit, and confidence. Mighty in spirit, Joan never allowed her circumstances, or the expectations placed upon women of her generation to define her path. She thought for herself and encouraged others to do the same—but may God have mercy on them if they weren't fully prepared to argue their position.

Outside the classroom, Joan pursued a wide variety of interests and talents. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, scrapbooking, and traveling. Music brought her great joy, and she played both the dulcimer and autoharp at festivals throughout Missouri, including performances of Civil War-era music and appearances at Old Iron Works Days at Meramec Spring Park. She was also an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Joan came from a long line of strong and spirited women and proudly carried on that tradition. She was independent, resilient, and unapologetically herself. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met and will be remembered for her sharp mind, fierce independence, creative talents, loquacious social presence and unwavering authenticity.

Joan lived life entirely on her own terms. Her family often joked that despite smoking three packs of Salem menthol 100 cigarettes a day for many years, she somehow outlived many who worried about her habits—a testament to the stubborn determination that defined her life.

Above all, Joan will be remembered as a force of nature: intelligent, talented, outspoken, compassionate, and unforgettable. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched as a teacher, musician, artist, friend, and family member.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  Upon Joan's passing, her family surmises that there will be a measurable decrease the verbal output of humanity as a whole.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Melinda Sherman; son, Frank Sherman Davis; husband, Ernie Reed; siblings, Jim Morris, Eldon Morris and Irma Sherman; brother-in-law, Robert Reed.

Joan is survived by her son, Charlie Davis (wife, Linda K.) of Boulder, CO; daughter-in-law, Eileen Davis of Lindenhurst, IL; step-children, Marty, Rachel, Linda and Michael; grandchildren, Jade Brown, Job Brown, Lindsay Pearson, James Davis, Katie Davis and Hannah Davis; many step-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Oak Pointe of Rolla, MO.  Celebration of Life immediately followed at 3:00 PM.  Following Joan’s wishes, the family chose cremation as her final disposition and will have an inurnment at Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Bonne Terre, MO at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.

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