Deirdre Akin Reel (DeeDee) of Plano, Texas passed away May 18, 2023 at the age of 61 from the result of a tragic accident. Dee Dee was born in Dallas, Texas on March 1, 1962 to Dr. Gene Coleman Akin and Francis (Nancy) Eleanor Akin, the fourth of five siblings. Dee Dee spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma City where she made lifelong friends singing in the choir at All Souls Episcopal Church, attending Putnam City schools, and graduating from Putnam City North High School. She attended the University of Oklahoma where she majored in Music Performance as she was a gifted singer, and where she was a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity. She continued her education getting a BS in Human Relations and Business from Amberton University. Relocating back to the Dallas area, Dee Dee had a very successful career in Human Resources developing many programs for health and wellness. Most recently Dee Dee became an Agency Standards Associate for New York Life. Dee Dee also gave generously of her time volunteering, especially for those in need.
To know Dee Dee was to love her. She had a contagious laugh which she shared often. She was a talented singer, enjoyed all types of music from opera, musical theatre to blue grass. She had an overall deep appreciation for the Arts. Her greatest joy was her family, Bret and Ella. Together they made a beautiful home, which they opened to so many. They also fulfilled their dream of having a retreat in Taos, NM where they loved to ski together in the winter and enjoyed the mountains in the summer.
Bret was the love of Dee Dee’s life and Ella was her dream come true. Dee was the best kind of mother full of love, support, and guidance - Ella’s champion and advocate. Dee was kind and giving to all the people who were fortunate to have her in their lives, and there were many. She would lift you up, give sound advice, and was there when needed during sad times and good. She had a talent for listening and made all who knew her feel special. This beautiful person leaves a huge hole in the lives of many people, and she will be missed beyond measure, but she was a woman of faith and her bright spirit will shine on.
Left to remember her precious memory, the loves of her life, husband of 26 years Bret Reel and beloved daughter, Ella; along with her brother, Kent Akin; sister, Miriam Gustavson and husband, Robin; mother-in-law, Betty Reel; brother-in-law, Mark Reel and wife, Judy their son John; uncle, Richard Green; niece, Kelsey Bowman and her son, Levi; nephew, Taylor Miles Gustavson; nephew, Cole Akin; niece, Jennifer Akin; cousins, Ric Green and wife, Pam, Susan Merriam and husband, Rick; additionally dear friends, Hilarie and David Benedetto, Jennifer and Jeff Lembcke, Stacey and Mike Albertson, Christy and Mark Becker, Heather and Lance Winchester; along with a host of friends and extended family who will cherish the memory of this kind and gracious woman.
Dee Dee was preceded in death by her parents, sister Tracey, and sister Tori.
Dee still had so many plans for her life, and her priority was her daughter Ella as she graduates from high school and begins her new journey. If you wish to contribute in Dee’s memory to Ella’s future you may do so through https://Venmo.com/Michael-Reel-7 or by check to M Reel, 4548 Denver Dr, Plano Tx 75093.
A celebration of Dee Dee’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 North Central Expressway, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on DeeDee's obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/deedee-akin-reel.
Luncheon to follow at Kelly's at the Village, 190 E. Stacy Road, Suite 1204, Allen, Texas, 75002.
For more information, please see Dee Dee's Memorial Site:
https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/DeeReel