Ada Verneil Poe Reed

Ada Verneil Poe-Reed, affectionately known as Verneil, Neil, or Sis, was born on Jan. 21, 1934, in Pinson, Madison County. She departed this life on Aug. 31, 2024. Verneil was the eldest of eight daughters born to Van Poe and Jennie McHaney-Poe-Ross.

Verneil graduated from the Historic Merry High School in Jackson, the city's only secondary school for Black youth at the time. 

The jewel of her accomplishments was Royal Reed's, a business she and Minor started while both were employed full-time. Royal Reed's operated from the late 1970s until 2019. 

Verneil is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Minor Reed; her parents, Van Poe and Jennie McHaney Poe-Ross; and her sisters, Edna Carolyn Poe-Beaman and Ouida Jennette Poe-Bond-Mensah.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Errol Beaunita Reed-Bowles (Roger), Minor Edward Reed (Cyd), Walter Anthony Reed (Debra), Angela Parthenia Reed-Jeffery (John), all of Jackson, TN, and Frank Kennedy Reed of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her sisters: Bobbie Charlene Poe-Guess (Emmett) and Corean Poe-Steele, both of Jackson, Tenn.; Lucy Faye Poe-Strong (Bill) of Drummonds, Tenn.; Drue Helen Poe-Cole-Burton of Los Angeles, Calif.; and Thornald Marie Poe-Guess of Fayetteville, N.C. Additionally, she

leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A viewing is planned from 12-6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, at Stephenson-Shaw Funeral Home, Jackson. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 12 p.m. at East Jackson Church of Christ, Jackson.