Eloise was born October 11, 1947, to Fred and Ruth Reynolds Reed. She was a 1965 graduate of Louisville High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, as well as earning her Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and her Specialist’s degree in Administration and Reading, all from Mississippi State University.
Eloise was the State Director for Adult Education for the state of Mississippi for 28 years. During her career as an educator, always passionate in the adult learning arena, Eloise was recognized by her peers as an outstanding leader, being awarded several notable accolades. In 1989, Eloise was awarded the MS Military Department Civilian Meritorious Service Award and was made honorary Command Sergeant Major by Brigadier General Denver Bracken for administering 4,200 GED exams to soldiers of the Guard. She was honored in 2004 with the Delta Kappa Gamma Red Rose award for her contributions to GED Testing and the status of women in education. In 2006, Eloise accepted national recognition from the GED Testing Service by receiving their Extraordinary Service Award for her efforts to secure and restore GED Testing following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2014, Eloise was honored by receiving the National GED Administrator award from GED Testing Service and was recognized at the national convention in Long Beach, CA.
As the State Director for Adult Education and High School Equivalency, she served in a leadership role on the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Directors for Adult Education. She worked closely with the national Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education to develop policy, guidance, and professional development impacting adult education across the United States. Eloise worked with community colleges, community-based organizations, public schools and correctional facilities to provide quality adult education programs across the state impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals in Mississippi.
Peers remember Eloise as having care, concern and empathy for adult learners. She served as a national leader, mentor and coach to new state directors on many occasions. Her dedication and leadership helped with federal adult education program. Eloise leaves behind a legacy in adult education in the state of Mississippi and on a national level.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Richardson of Flowood, MS; a son, Sean Johnson of West Monroe, LA; two sisters, Gail Henderson and Rochelle Jordan, both of Louisville; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Brian Henderson, Mark Henderson, Kyle Donald, Will Jordan, Jake Donald, and Kyle Donald. Honorary pallbearers will be John Hodgson, Robert Hodgson, Graham Henderson, Brac Henderson, Judd Henderson, Richard Salmon, and Liam Donald.
Memorials may be made to Murphy Creek Baptist Church Youth Fund, c/o Freddy Fulcher, 1405 Bond Road, Louisville, MS, 39339.
