Duane A. and Jaunita D. (Cummings) Reid

Duane Albert Reid Sr. was born April 06, 1933, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was the third of five children born to Robert and Irene Reid. Duane grew up in Kalamazoo and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. Duane was a Korean War veteran. Following his service in the military, Duane held several jobs before spending 27 years working at General Motors. He retired in 1997.

Duane was out-going and had the ability to make friends with whomever he met. He was also quite the jokester. Duane had many hobbies and interests including hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was also good at working on cars and repairing anything that needed to be fixed. He enjoyed listening to music, with BB King and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes being his favorite artists. However, more importantly, Duane was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his pride and joy and throughout his entire life he always did whatever he could to meet his family’s needs and to show them they were loved and cherished. He was especially protective of his daughters. Duane was sensitive, gentle, loving and caring. He was openly affectionate with his family and never failed to greet his family with a kiss and a hug. Duane was a wonderful example of what a husband and father should be.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene Reid; his sister, Christine Moncrief; his brother, Robert (Gene) Reid; his brother, George (Ronnie) Reid; and his brother, James (Leroy) Reid.

Jaunita Doenice Reid was born August 24, 1942, in Grand Rapid, Michigan. She was the youngest of six children born to Harry and Berniece Cummings. Jaunita grew up in Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapid Public Schools. She graduated at a later date from Comstock High School in Kalamazoo, MI.  Jaunita was employed at Borgess Hospital for 40 plus years as a cafeteria supervisor and front desk receptionist. She retired in 2002.

Jaunita was a loving and nurturing wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a quiet strength and exuded power. She was the disciplinarian and rock of the family. You often knew what she was thinking without her having to say anything, but if she did say something, it was bold, straightforward, and unfiltered. Jaunita loved and protected her family fiercely. She worked behind the scenes if her adult children were going through something to try to fix it, but she also knew when it was best to let them handle it on their own. Jaunita was a great listener and gave great advice to both her family and friends. Jaunita was also a loyal and loving friend to her bestie, Debbie Lint. They have been best friends for 50 years. Jaunita enjoyed traveling, watching Lifetime and Hallmark movies, playing cards, cooking, and taking care of her pets and plants. 

Jaunita was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Reid, by four days; her parents, Harry and Berniece Cummings; brothers, Harry, Harvey, and Jerry Cummings; sisters, Shirley Irvin and Mary Grady; and brother-in-law, Charles Grady.     

Duane Reid Sr. and Jaunita Reid met when Jaunita was 17 years old and Duane was 26 years old. They were introduced by Duane’s uncle and Jaunita’s aunt. They fell for each other quickly and married soon after on August 5, 1960. It was not long before they started their family, being blessed with three sons and two daughters. Duane and Jaunita always worked as a team. They worked opposite shifts so one was always home with their children. They did everything together. They traveled together, supported their children together, and always supported each other.  When Duane retired, Jaunita was still working. Everyday Duane took Jaunita to work even though she could have driven herself. When they accepted the Lord at an eternity play at Stones Church, they did that together as well. Although we grieve the loss of Duane and Jaunita and will dearly miss them, it seems fitting that even in death, they should also do this together as they have done everything else in their lives.  

Duane and Jaunita leave to cherish their memories their children, Evangela (Stephen) Hicks, Duane Reid Jr., Clifford (April) Reid, Gregory Reid, Cynthia (Mickey) Thomas, two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Reid and Esther Reid, thirteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Stones Church, 1225 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, with Pastor Michael Brown officiating. Friends may gather from 11:00 am until the time of service.

Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Fort Custer Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd, Augusta, MI 49012

To view Reid’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com