She became addicted to the sport about twenty years ago and was a solid and dependable volunteer worker for Guilford and Rockingham Bowhunters clubs, and the NCBA (North Carolina Bowhunters Association.) She served as secretary/treasurer of the Rockingham Bowhunters club, a longtime NCBA Local Chapter Club, until 1998.

And, she was also an avid bowhunter, bagging Black Bear in Canada and numerous Whitetail Deer and small game with her bow in North Carolina and Virginia over the years. Many buck and doe deer were taken in North Carolina and Virginia that were not listed in the NCBA Annual Awards Contests.

Won "Lady Bowhunter" Annnual Contests:

Year:    County:                 Score    (Rack):

1987      Rockingham         66  0/8  (2x2)

1988      Stokes                   70   3/8  (3x3)

1991      Rockingham         60  0/8  (2x4)

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Whitetail Doe Deer listed in the NCBA "All-Time Records":

Score: County: Year Taken:

15 1/16 Rockingham 1989

14 11/16 Rockingham 1994

"Jean "Reed was named NCBA (North Carolina Bowhunter’s Association) "Lady Bowhunter of the Year" in 1988 and 1991.

"Jean" Reed went out a "World Champion." Not exactly as she would have liked for it to happen, I’m sure! She would very much preferred to have given up the title on the firing line this past August at the 2001 IBO championship tournament. She was born "Gloria Jean Williams" on October 21, 1944 in Baltimore, MD, and may have been best known by her first married name (Murphy) for many years. She was remarried to Cody Lee Reed, Jr. in June, 1999 at the North American Bowhunter’s Jamboree in Union Grove, NC.

"Jean" Reed was the reigning two-time "IBO (International Bowhunter’s Organization) Female Senior Women’s World Champion." She won her 2nd consecutive title in August, 2000 and would have been there to defend her title this year, had she lived to do so. She competed in 3-D archery tournaments all over the country. Including the "Buckmasters" tournament seven times. The first time, she finished in 7^th place. In her last competition, she finished 2^nd overall. Cody says she was determined to win that one too, and most likely would have if time had been on her side.  "Jean" had a "truck-full" of trophies won at tournaments from all over. When she first started shooting a bow, she remembered shooting for over a year before she saw another woman at a tournament.  "There were just not many women who took up the sport in those days," she said.  But now, there are thousands that compete for the title of "World Champion" at the IBO tournament each year.  Many women now bowhunt and shoot in area tournaments throughout the year. She was also sponsored by a number of companies who were proud for her to wear their name/logo on her shooting jacket. Companies such as "Custom Shooting Systems"; "Joe’s Bows"; "Bullseye Sights"; "R&R Enterprises"; "Scott Archery"; "Coffey Enterprises"; and "Bo Doodle" are only a few of the manufacturers that sponsor both Jean and husband, Cody. Cody is also a world champion, having won the "IBO Male Senior World Championship" in 1996 and 1997.

Bowhunting and archery were a way of life for Jean. Years ago, I had the opportunity and privilege to shoot practice and tournament rounds at area ranges with her and former husband, Ray Murphy. She was an excellent shot with bow and arrow. Jean had been shooting for over 20 years when an untimely encounter with cancer overtook her. I copied and saved a number of emails I received from her in the last months after forwarding them to the NCBA membership, at her request. Many bowhunters offered prayers and thoughts for Jean during this trying time for her and husband,  Cody Reed.

Both Jean and Cody’s love of the sport radiated from them to young and old students they often tutored. They believe youngsters have to be exposed to and taught the sport in order for it to continue and grow.