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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2006 Contact: Shawneequa Badger African American Community Service Agency (408) 292-3157 sjaacsa@yahoo.com San Jose Mourns the Death of Mr. Elbert Reed In Memoriam San Jose, CA - Elbert Reed, Past Executive Director of the African American Community Service Agency and Founding President of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Santa Clara County passed away on July 17, 2006 at the age of 67 in Longview, Texas. Funeral services were held on July 20, 2006 at the Antioch Baptist Church in Clarksville, Texas. Elbert Reed was born to Herman and Velaska Reed in Reed's Settlement in Red River County on July 19, 1938. Elbert learned early the philosophy of responsibility, as well as making and keeping commitments. He also learned the concept of being successful by owning property. At an early age he purchased a lot of land for $25.00 in exchange for cutting grass for $3.00 per week. This was his first entrepreneurial experience. "The community has lost one its most beloved members," said a statement issued from the African American Community Service Agency. "Elbert's contributions will be known to many generations of people in Santa Clara County. We are grateful for his almost 30 years of service as an icon of community involvement and devoted leadership. His work at the Agency continues to inspire us to serve." Elbert was the guiding light for the Freedom Train from 1985-2003. Under his direction, the train participation grew from 1,500 to 7,000. During his career, he served in numerous organizations in the community. He sat on the Santa Clara County Water Advisory Board, Santa Clara County Emergency Flood Control Committee, was active with the Boy Scouts of America, U.S. Department of Agriculture Watershed Program and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He is a founding member of 100 Black Men of the Silicon Valley and a founding member of the Silicon Valley Capitol Club. He served as the Executive Director of the African American Community Service Agency for 6 years as a volunteer until 2000. He was served on the Board of Directors at Ming Quong Disabled Children's Center for 12 years and served on the Board of Directors of the Evergreen Resource Conservation District for 4 years. Before moving to Texas in 2001, he was a member of the Ethics Board of the City of San Jose. Mr. Reed has received many awards over the years for his work in the community. Amongst them are the Human Rights Awards, Junior League of Women's Volunteers Award and Voters for Outstanding Services Award. "Elbert was a tireless supporter and advocate for his community. His efforts achieved what he desired most-- greatly improved opportunities for people," said the AACSA's Board of Directors. "We will miss Elbert's positive attitude and fundamental belief that a person can achieve anything through hard work. His California family and friends are saddened by his loss and thankful for his many contributions." A native of Texas, Mr. Reed came to San Jose in 1969 after graduating from Texas College. He was employed at Chevron from 1965 and worked in various positions, which included Engineering, Research Chemist, Retail Commercial Marketing and Consumer Marketing. He retired as a manager in 1992. In the community he organized the Brigadoon Homeowners Association, the Brigadoon Neighborhood Patrol and was President for five years. He also organized several other Homeowners Groups and Neighborhood Patrol Units. Eventually all the various groups combined into one group named Evergreen Homeowners Association and he was elected their President. Mr. Reed is survived by two daughters, Shari Reed Hart and husband, Michael of Humble, Texas and Virginia Calsadillas of Salem, Orgeon; brother, Hermon Reed, Jr. and wife Shirley of Carthage; sister, Gloria Ecker and husband Lloyd of Houston, five grandchildren, Monique, Leticia, Raquel, David and Juan; three great grandchildren, Dacuan, Keshaun, Jaiceon and a host of other relatives and friends. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 467 N. White Road on Monday, July 31st, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow. For more information, please call (408) 272-8569. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com/Elbert_Reed |