Deirdre (Dee Dee) Reel

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 was proceeded in death by her parents, sister Tracey, and sister Tori.  Left to remember her precious memory, the loves of her life, husband of 26 years Bret Reel and beloved daughter Ella.

Along with her family: brother Kent Akin, sister Miriam husband Robin Gustavson, 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 wife Pam, Susan and husband Rick Merriam. 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, spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma City where she made life long 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 had become 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.

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 on Saturday, June 24th 10:00 in the morning at    Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home 2525 North Central Expressway,  Allen, TX 75013.

The Memorial will also be live streamed. Please see this page for link on the 24th

Brunch to follow, Kelley's at the Village in Allen.