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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – If you have ever attended a government meeting in the City of Huntsville, you probably met Jackie Reed.

The family confirmed Jackie Reed passed away on Sunday night.

Jackie Reed ran for mayor in the city of Huntsville numerous times. After not winning an elected seat, her goal was to attend every city council meeting, stand in front of the podium for public comments, and hold every elected official accountable to the people of the city. 

”It’s the biggest mistake and it’s sad and all of you voted for it. It should never happen. But I still love you all,” Ms. Reed used to say to city council members.

Reed attended Tennessee Tech University and worked for over 25 years in the Aerospace industry. Jackie Reed was a business owner and entrepreneur, she hosted a radio talk show and also wrote for the community newspaper Speakin’ Out News in a regular column called ‘One Woman’s Opinion.’

“I write in an African newspaper every week and you probably all know it because it’s pretty hot stuff that goes on in there,” said Reed.

But make no mistake, Ms. Reed had an unmatched passion for her city and every Huntsville city council member knew that all too well. 

“I braced myself every time I was at the council dais to hear it from that side of the podium but I knew it was coming,” said city council member Francis Akridge.

Council member Bill Kling, who faced off against Ms. Reed for a city council seat told News 19, “She would talk to people about making the district Kling free and I would be right behind her and say, I’d like to offer an alternative opinion and just kind of smile.” 

Reed’s commentary at Huntsville City Council meetings was regularly shared on TikTok, garnering millions of views.

“I cannot understand why…. why we can’t get along. We’re just people. God put us here and whether you like it or not, he is going to take us from here,” Reed said in a video uploaded on June 24.

Jackie Reed’s family shared a statement on social media reading in part:

“Mom loved the City of Huntsville and all the People. She was a loving, caring person that lived on principle and doing the right thing.”

Dee Reed
Jackie Reed with Mayor Tommy Battle (Courtesy Tommy Battle)

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle released a statement on Reed’s passing.

“We lost a Huntsville legend today. Nobody had a greater passion for our city than Jackie Reed. Her tireless advocacy for the citizens of the Rocket City was admirable. Jackie’s fervor and dedication to Huntsville should be an inspiration to us all, and her indomitable spirit and warm heart will be remembered by all of us at city hall.”

Mayor Tommy Battle

Funeral services are set for Friday July 15 and 16 at Berryhill Funeral Home. Service times and information will be on the Berry Hill website.