Jessie Lee Brown Reed, 68, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born November 8, 1957, Jessie was a Murrells Inlet native through and through—a proud “Creek Rat” who loved the place she called home.

Jessie shared 34 years of marriage with her husband, Dennis Reed. She had long dreamed of becoming a mother, and welcoming their daughter, Kate, was one of the great joys of her life. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood, spending years as a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling Kate for part of her childhood, and driving her to countless activities.

Family was at the center of Jessie’s life. She treasured time with those she loved and helped keep her family close and connected. She was someone people could count on to answer the phone, lend a hand, show up, or simply sit and talk. Fiercely loyal and deeply supportive, Jessie often cared less about what everyone was doing than about the fact that they were doing it together. She especially treasured the holidays and the family traditions that returned with them year after year.

For 15 years, Jessie was a beloved part of Palmetto Preschool and Learning Center, where she spent much of her time caring for infants. Families trusted Jessie with their babies, and her coworkers knew they could count on her willingness to help wherever she was needed. To many who knew and loved her at Palmetto, the infant room will always be “Jessie’s room.”

Jessie was dependable and particular about things being done correctly. Though she disliked being the center of attention—and especially disliked having her picture taken—those closest to her knew her humor well. With people she trusted, Jessie loved a good joke, laughed freely, and could be wonderfully silly.

Jessie is survived by her husband, Dennis Reed; her daughter, Kate (Johnny) Norris; her sister, Elizabeth Hathaway; her nieces, Amber (Gregory) Rogers and Courtney (Jeffrey) Dowdy; her many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and others she considered family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis “PeeWee” Brown and Virginia Floyd Brown.

For those who loved Jessie, it is difficult to separate her from the ordinary moments that make up a life together: family meals, phone calls and conversations, laughter, children underfoot, and simply being together. She showed up. She helped. She cared. She gave her opinion whether you particularly wanted it or not, and then she stood beside you anyway.

Jessie never needed to be the center of attention to become a central part of so many lives. She simply was.