Carol Jean Reed

Carol Jean Bradford Reed, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 13, 2026. She was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, on December 29, 1936, to Mark P. and Grace Thomas Bradford, the second of three children with an older brother, Ross, and a younger brother, Glen. When she was three years old, her mother passed away. Her father then married Myrl R. Bradford, widow of Mark’s cousin, who had four young boys.

Carol graduated from Spanish Fork High School and LDS Seminary, later attending BYU. She loved learning and remained a lifelong student of the scriptures. She was known for her grace, refinement, and thoughtful presence in every setting, and she was an accomplished artist.

She married James (Jim) Warren Reed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 11, 1958. They were blessed with four children, who were the joy of her life, and she devoted her activities to the happiness of her family. Together, she and Jim held annual family Easter egg hunts, Halloween celebrations, and Thanksgiving dinners. They hosted family sleepovers every Christmas Eve from the time the first child was married and left home. Numerous family trips were held every year at Bear Lake for the last sixty years. She also loved keeping in touch with schoolmates, and she cherished her involvement in the LCB ladies club, her readers group, and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (DUP) as she loved her family heritage. Carol enjoyed planning and being involved in reunions, parties, and vacations for family and friends. She was always more concerned about the comforts of others than herself.

Throughout her life, Carol served in many organizations within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including ward and stake Young Women presidents, counselor in the stake Primary, compassionate service leader, and ward Relief Society president two different times. She served faithfully in the Provo Utah Temple for ten years. Furthermore, she served her community as a member of the Springville City Planning Commission and the City Home Occupation Board. Professionally, she held many jobs throughout her career, but she really enjoyed her time as Director of Utah Valley Economic Development Association.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Danny Potter; two sons-in-law, James Potter and Donald Rich; her father and mother; stepmother; and five of her six brothers, Keith, Ned, Darrell, Gary, and Ross.

She is survived by her loving spouse of over sixty-seven years, Jim, and four children, Grace Lyn Rich, Julie Potter Peterson (Jeff), Brad Reed (Amy), and Matt Reed (Gail). She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and her brother, Glen Bradford. Her example of love, service, and testimony has and will continue to give her family strength throughout their lives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building located at 355 East Center Street in Springville, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service at the same location from 9:00–10:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery following the service.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.