Sallie Reed Brinkley

Obituary For Sallie Reed Brinkley

“Cherished Memories of Our Beloved Mom”

Sallie Reed Brinkley loved life, and she loved the people in her life. She loved and adored her husband of 37 years, Thomas Brinkley, who preceded her in death by just 5 days. Their marriage was a truly amazing love story that epitomized the definition of the biblical example of a husband and wife. She loved her daughters, Tanja and Bayyinah, and her grandchildren. She would call them on a regular basis…just to hear their voices.

Sallie loved her church and was passionate about the ministry of teaching the youth. She was so very proud that one of her former students now serves as the Assistant Pastor of River Hill Missionary Baptist Church. But more than anything, Sallie loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She would witness of His greatness everywhere she went..not just with her words, but also with her sweet kind Spirit. Her presence would exude elegance and grace in amazing fashion.

Blue was her favorite color. The color blue symbolizes trust, faith, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, truth, and Heaven. Her loving attributes displayed all these wonderful qualities. As the last remaining sister, the love and bond between Sallie and Velma was inseparable.

She loved her plants … even to the point of naming each of them. She would take joy in watching them grow and flourish. As a matter of fact, everything Sallie Brinkley touched grew and flourished…. Including the people she met.

On November 26, 1940, Thomas Lee Brinkley’s Nadine and Tanja’s “Missy” was born to the late Willie C. Reed and Eloise McCormick Reed. She was the youngest of six children, five of which preceded her in death; two brothers Willie C. Reed, Jr. and Clarence Reed; three sisters Rosa Lee Collier, Evelyn Reed, and Velma Deloris Matchett.

She received her education in the Lowndes County School System where she served as Vice-president of her senior class. Following graduation, she attended Savannah State.

She retired from Normal Life of Georgia in Valdosta after 28 years of service. “After retirement, she would spend long days on the front porch with her wonderful husband “Tom” gardening, and visiting her daughters and grandchildren, and her church ministry, which remained her first love.”

Sallie leaves to cherish precious memories to her daughters Tanja Evans Fulkerson (John) Douglasvillie, Ga, Bayyinah Abdullah Castillo (Abdul) Philadelphia, PA., Arlien Brinkley Huewitt of Valdosta, Ga. Judy Denise Fernandez (Dwight) San Diego, Ca., two precious god daughters: Sherri Daniels and Lena Harris; one god son Clarence Parks of Valdosta, Ga.; two sisters-in-law: Ann Reed Bryd of Woodstock, Ga. and Katie Brinkley Wilson of Meeker, Ok; 9 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; beloved niece Alma Thomas Valdosta, Ga; beloved nephew Thomas James Brinkley (Jackie) of Valdosta, Ga; a loving cousin Alice Parks, best friend of 30 years Mary Ellen Bratley of Valdosta, Ga; special friend Gail Winston, and special thanks to Sallie’s “My Bemiss Girl” Sharon Thomas caregiver for your love, kindness, and superior service while you took special care of Sallie and Thomas Brinkley. Thanks also to Sherry Matchett for her loving contributions.

Home going service for Sallie Reed Brinkley will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:00 A. M. at River Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Troope pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Troupeville Cemetery. Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 3 from 12:00 Noon til 5:00 P. M. and Thursday, May 4 from 9:30 A. M. til 7:00 P. M. Mask will be required at the funeral service.

The Mortuary that Cares