Matthew John Reed was born on October 1, 1986 to Michael and Miko Reed in Los Angeles, CA. He passed away on August 31, 2017, surrounded by friends and loved ones in Los Angeles.
Matt was the oldest of three brothers often referred to as “the Reed boys.” Matthew, Justin, and Milan, grew up doing everything together, and anyone could tell that his younger brothers imitated and admired Matthew.
From the time that Matthew was a little boy, it was apparent that he had a strong intellectual curiosity. He loved going to science camps and museums or even just spending time at the library.
When Matt was in the second grade, he began attending El Marino Language School where he learned all of his subjects in a Spanish immersion program. This early bilingual education stuck with Matt throughout his life; it opened up opportunities for him and enriched his experiences when traveling abroad.
Between 1998 and 2001, Matthew attended John Adams Middle School, and it was during these years that he first acquired his passion for video games, comic books, Harry Potter, Pokemon, and other hobbies that he never stopped loving. After John Adams, he enrolled in Loyola High School where he earned a prestigious scholarship as an incoming freshman.
In the Fall of 2002, Matthew transferred to King/Drew Magnet High School where his father also taught. While at King/Drew, Matt excelled in the classroom, in extracurriculars, and in athletics earning him much appreciation and many accolades. At King/Drew he also cultivated relationships with many amazing friends, teammates, teachers, and the girl whom he would later ask to be his wife.
After graduating from King/Drew, Matt went on to further his education at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Sociology. It was at Stanford where he not only grew his circle of dynamic friends, but he nurtured his love for theater even more through The Stanford Shakespeare Company. He participated in many productions on campus including The Tempest, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and King Lear.
Matthew also loved to travel, and took advantage of Stanford’s study abroad program. During his time in the overseas program in Madrid, he also ventured to other places throughout Europe. His favorites included Budapest, Milan, Venice, and Rome.
Upon returning to the Los Angeles area, Matthew reconnected with his highschool girlfriend Shannan Guillory in 2011. On December 23, 2015, amongst thousands of roses at the Exposition Park Rose Garden, he got on one knee and asked her to marry him.
They were set to be married on Saturday, September 23, 2017.
Although our hearts are heavy with this loss, and a bright light is now dim, we will forever carry Matthew with us in our hearts. Thank you for your continuous support and love during this difficult time.
Justin,
My heart is heavy to hear of the loss of your brother. I pray that God continue to give you and your family peace and comfort during this time and the days ahead.
Love,
Deacon Julie Robinson
Matthew became family years through Shannan. It has been a devastating loss to lose family. He will be forever as family looking over us. God has brought one of his angels home. We may not understand or wanna ask, “why Matthew”. But he was a remarkable man for Shannan with a unconditional love. I’m blessed to say I knew him and may he forever rest in paradise! Loved and missed but forever in our hearts ♥️!
Uncle Matty is what I call him. I sure wish I would have pressed hangin out with him more yet he is a busy guy. At King/Drew I played with him on the JV Basketball and Varsity Volleyball. 😢 It nothing like a bond forged through brotherhood that is unseen yet forevermore attached
Shannan, our hearts are broken over your loss. We are grateful for the times we were able to share with Matthew. He will be greatly missed. Xoxo, Auntie Connie and Uncle Charles
Shannan, I am incredibly sorry for your loss and I hope that you are surrounded by your friends and family and held in love. The lovely and wonderful person Matthew was will always be in the hearts and minds of the people he touched and crossed paths with.
This is tough! I was just speaking about Matthew a few days ago. He had a very kind and gentle soul. And he was a character. We played varsity together. One day during practice he just stopped. I said, “Matt what’s up? What are you doing?” He said, “derivatives”. I was a freshman, I had no idea what he was talking about. I just watched as he air drew on his white board. I thought was a brilliant individual.
Dear Shannan, my heart has been aching for you, yours and Matt’s families since I learned of your devastating loss. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. Matt. 5:4. The Lords promises are true, cling to Him! My families prayers are with you!
I’m so sorry to hear this saddening news. I send my condolences and prayers to the family and Shannon ❤️
Shannon, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My family and I will pray for you all and always know that I will be here for you if needed. At anytime, any hour or any day you can call me OK.
From the Enciso Family
Michael Reed–Matt, Milan, and Justin’s father was my beloved neighbor in room 116 when he taught at King Drew. I will never forget all of the talks, chats, laughs, life advice and instructional techniques Mr. Reed gave me. I will also never forget the love and care he showed his boys. I remember Matt as fiery young man. Always kind and respectful, he nevertheless looked out for his brothers and was keenly aware of educational and social injustice. My sincerest condolences to the Reed and Guillory family. Matt, may you rest in peace.
Ms. Guy
Justine,
We are so sorry for the loss of your brother for you and your family.
There will be tears and broken hearts, but remember to keep God number one in your life and ‘it will get better by and by’.
Keep those Happy Memories forever, he sounded like a wonderful big brother.
Amen and may your spirit forever live on. I knew Matt in high school I remember he was always very focus and serious he laughed and joked but always focus. Great to hear he lived such an amazing life may good bless him and hold him Amen
May God bless your family Miko during this very difficult time. I feel the immense pain you are feeling right now and there is nothing like it but know that all of you are loved and supported by not only God’s love but many friends and family also. Many prayers going up for strength and comfort. May Matthew rest in heavenly paradise. He will live in your heart and soul from now until 🙏🏾💕❣️
4am on the west coast. My brilliant brother in Christ, my brother in flesh, my friend, and teammate I love you and I miss you and believe it or not I’ve grown up. I’m way more mature than you remembered lol. I even eat healthy and I no longer eat mariscos however I can only eat cinnamon flavored rice cakes lol. Anyways Matthew you’ll forever be instilled in my heart and memory. To your family The Reeds and your wife Shannon my prayers will forever mention you all!