Veryl Jean Reed, a mighty woman of God was born to Bennie & Hattie Neal on January 4, 1937 in Gilmer, TX. She attended the New Mountain School System. Her music career launched at an early age and God began to use her in playing the piano. She thought to quit but the Lord gave her a sign by curving one of her fingers as a reminder that he called her to minister in music? She proudly told this to anyone who would ask about her musical gifts. What a life change. As she matured in life, she was united in marriage to Alexander Harper.

After moving to Dallas, she joined the Greater Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C. W. Reed. Continuing to serve in the gifts God had given her of playing and singing in the choir along with her best friend Canasta Washington. Later she became the first lady after uniting in marriage with Rev. Reed. When that assignment ended, they became the Pastor and first lady of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Lancaster, TX. She was a great blessing to that community. Many came from near and far to hear her.

After his passing, she continued to travel and encourage people everywhere with her music. She joined East Side C.O.G.I.C and served as the Minister of Music faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Frank Sowells Sr. Following that assignment, Sister Reed continued the work by helping other churches when called upon.

As her profession, Sister Reed because of her passion and love for all was a Certified Private Duty Nurse. To know her was to know a woman who was nurturing, with the heart of a servant. This was who she was for to many throughout the city. It was her mission to be a blessing to whomever she met. Whenever someone would greet her, she would always say "I'm blessed and highly favored."

In the movie "Leap of Faith" she was known as "the lady falling on her knees" where a promotional picture of her is posted at Sound Logic Studios. Her words were…"Little did they know that my Praise was real and notan act".

Sister Reed loved her family and did everything she knew to do to always be there for them.

She was preceded in death by Father, Mother, six Brothers and one Sister. She leaves to mourn three daughters, Brevely Harper (Diggles), Cherrie Thompson Scott (Charles), Sharla Reed Byrd (Robert), seven grandchildren, Carlos, Eric, Arthur, Eron, Ershun, Jamiene and Ezra. 10 great grandchildren,her brother Robert Neal and Sister-in-Law Iva D. Neal. A host of cousins, other relatives and friends.