Verla L. Reed of Brownstown passed away on Tuesday, October 27. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church of Brownstown, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. A private family burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield. Per Verla’s wishes, her body will be cremated. Gieseking Funeral Home, Brownstown is assisting the family with arrangements.
Verla (Wise) Reed, born in 1952 to Evelyn and Richard Wise, was a beloved wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a woman who loved fiercely, gave generously, and always made sure the people around her knew they mattered.
In 1971, Verla fell in love with her soulmate, Jerry Reed, and married him January 1972, beginning a love story that would last more than 54 years. She often referred to Jerry as her “split apart,” the other half of her soul, and anyone who witnessed their love knew just how true those words were. Theirs was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, a bond that stood the test of time and remained at the heart of her life. Together, they built a life and a family filled with love and memories that will be cherished forever.
Verla became a mother in 1972 with the birth of her son, Jonathan Reed, and welcomed her daughter, Jerilyn Reed, in 1979. Being a mother was one of the most important parts of her life, and her love for her family knew no bounds. She was also a proud Nana to her granddaughter, Elia Reed, who brought another special kind of love and joy into her life.
Verla faced life’s challenged with strength and determination, including overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis. Through life’s trials, her faith remained unwavering. She held firmly to her faith in Jesus, trusting in His promises and finding comfort in knowing that her earthly journey was not the end of her story. She knew that when her time came, she would be going home to Jesus, and that assurance was a source of peace and hope.
Even after suffering a stroke, Verla’s heart remained focused on others. She continued to ask about the people she loved, making sure they were okay, often putting their needs before her own. Caring for others was simply who she was.
Those who knew Verla will remember her for her wonderful sense of humor, her kindness, her generosity, her unwavering faith, and her devotion to family and friends. She had a way of making people feel loved and cared for, and she was someone others could count on. Her love was fierce, her heart was generous, and her faith carried her through life’s challenges. Her presence made a difference in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
Verla was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Wise and Evelyn Mugrage, and her beloved son, Jonathan Reed, and second father, JP Mugrage JR.
She leaves behind her devoted husband of 54 ½ years, Jerry Reed; her daughter, Jerilyn Reed (Ryan); her beloved granddaughter, Elia Reed; her sister, Vickie Smith; her niece, Amy Davidson (Shane); her naughter, Kelly Berger (Jason); li’l brothers; Major Brad Mugrage (Jana) and Scott Mugrage (Julia); and great nephews and great-great nieces. She also leaves behind extended family member and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.
Verla’s life was a testament to the power of love and faith; the love between soulmates, the love of a mother, the love of a Nana, and the love of a woman who never stopped caring for others. Though her family and friends will miss her more than words can express, they can find comfort in knowing that her suffering is over and that she is at peace in the presence of Jesus.
Her love story with Jerry will remain a beautiful reminder that some souls truly are two halves of the same whole. She was his “split apart,” and she always will be. And while those who love her must now learn to live without her here, they can take comfort in the promise of their faith: this is not goodbye forever, but until they meet again.
In lieu of flowers, Verla wanted donations made to Elia’s college fund, her beloved granddaughter, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. An account has been established at First National Bank of Brownstown for donations.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.
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