Hello!
My name is Ericka Reed. I was born and raised in Decatur County. Married my high school prom date, am a registered nurse and I volunteer on multiple committees throughout our county!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the daughter of Rick and Jennifer Carman. I have a 24 year old brother Tanner and a 6 year old sister Laykin. I am married to Duran Reed. We have been married a little over a year but have been together 10 years.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently a registered nurse. I currently work at MHP outpatient Oncology center and help out as needed in the DCMH Emergency Department, where I used to work full time nights. What I love most about my current job is that I get to sit and talk with my patients. Also, I get to walk alongside them during some of the toughest moments in their life and show my compassion and care to them.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Born and raised and don’t plan on leaving! I love this small town.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
John Pratt- watching his passion for history and bringing so many neat people and projects into our community is inspiring. Hats off to him for all of his hard work!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland- one year for Christmas I bought my husband a funny gift not knowing how cool it actually would be. But with that gift, we came to own a very small piece of land in Ireland where a tree will be planted and grow and I would love to visit that little piece of land and explore Ireland too!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite Movie: The Notebook or Bridesmaids and favorite TV show: The Good Place
Q: What advice would you give to people?
It’s pretty simple, but just be kind. You never know what someone may be going through and your small kind gesture of a smile may make their entire day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Nothing super specific but I would love to just a travel and see as much as the world as I can.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Sweet Shop
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Katie Stam- she inspired me to start volunteering and competing in pageants. Seeing a small town girl grow up to become Miss America was awe inspiring. I would probably take her to Stories and have her try the breaded Tenderloin
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is how small and close knit we are. We come together when needed and our community feels very safe. Unique- obviously the Tower Tree!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years I see my husband and I having started our family, him still working for the family business, me still working as an RN and we’ve built our dream home here in Decatur County.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am adopted! And I truly believe I was chosen for my family for a reason and they have truly shaped me into the woman I am today and I will forever be grateful for that.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
St. Lucia
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
favorite month is June. Favorite holiday is Christmas and my favorite day is July 1st which is also my birthday
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Honestly in different ways both my mom and my husband
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Love, family
