Mrs. Ada Verneil Poe Reed

Ada Verneil Poe-Reed, affectionately known as Verneil, Neil, or Sis, was born on January 21, 1934, in Pinson, TN, Madison County. She departed this life on August 31, 2024. Verneil was the eldest of eight daughters born to Van Poe and Jennie McHaney-Poe-Ross. Growing up in a rural community during the 1930s, she began her formal education in a one-room schoolhouse. Despite the challenges, her thirst for knowledge remained undeterred. As she advanced in her studies, she also helped educate younger children. Verneil graduated from the Historic Merry High School in Jackson, TN, the city's only secondary school for Black youth at the time. She was an active member of the band and drama club, renowned for her one-woman acts. Her classmates fondly recalled assemblies where Verneil shone as the lead actress in drama club productions. Verneil was steadfast in her faith, baptized into Christ at a young age by the late Minister Marshall Keeble at Oak Grove Church of Christ in Henderson, TN. She later moved her membership to the Hunt and Cumberland Church of Christ, which eventually became the East Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, TN. Verneil remained a faithful member until her passing. She served as a Sunday School teacher for the Young Ladies class, a Wednesday night Bible class teacher, and initiated the Friday night Ladies Class. Verneil was also integral in planning food-related events at the church. She will be deeply missed by the East Jackson Church of Christ community. In August 1949, Verneil met the love of her life, Minor "Simon" Reed, while working at a small café. They quickly discovered they had much in common, including the same birthday, a love of sports, and the gift of gab. Their mutual admiration soon blossomed into plans for a future together. They were united in holy matrimony on January 20, 1951, and remained happily married until Minor's passing. Verneil often said, "No man on earth could replace her Simon," and no one ever did. Verneil was a dedicated homemaker but soon realized that additional income was necessary to support her family. Throughout her career, she worked for various companies and, after over 30 years of service, retired from American Olean Tile Company, where she was one of the first Black women hired. Verneil was a true entrepreneur. 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 and was renowned throughout West Tennessee for its delicious meals, set-ups, and service. It was recognized as one of the best restaurants in Jackson,, TN, serving Governors, Representatives, Mayors, Dignitaries, and the wonderful people of the Jackson community. Verneil ensured that everyone who entered their doors felt welcome. Many sought to discover the secret ingredients to her signature dishes, but the special ingredient was always LOVE. 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, TX. She is also survived by her sisters: Bobbie Charlene Poe-Guess (Emmett) and Corean Poe-Steele, both of Jackson, TN; Lucy Faye Poe-Strong (Bill) of Drummonds, TN; Drue Helen Poe-Cole-Burton of Los Angeles, CA; and Thornald Marie Poe-Guess of Fayetteville, NC. Additionally, she leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Mrs. Ada Verneil Poe Reed

January 21, 1934 - August 31, 2024