Gloria LaVerne Reed

Gloria LaVerne Reed, 75, departed from this life on Saturday, May 13, 2023, returning to her Heavenly father to receive, in abundance, the purest and greatest love and acceptance. LaVerne was born a gift to Gloria Mae Brown and David Reed Sr. on November 23, 1947, in Huntsville, Texas. Journeying to Galveston Island as an infant, La Verne called Galveston home, spending greater than five decades between attending school, starting and raising her own family, and working; before eventually retiring to Texas City, Texas.
Educated in Galveston's public school district, LaVerne proudly contributed to Central High School's yearbook as a photographer, before graduating with the class of 1966. Advancing her education and skills, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant – providing private and professional home health care services for a number of years. She was actively involved with the 30 th Street Neighborhood Charity Club, and the Central High School Bearcats Class of 1966 reunion group; and served as an advocate for youth mentorship and leadership for the Nia Cultural Center's "Transformations" training – a girl's rites of passage program. In her retired years, she devoutly served as a faithful worker within various ministries. Tough as nails in her younger day, LaVerne was as "no non-sense" as the maternal figures whose instruction, guidance, and influence built her. As time passed, new generations rose, and experience became the teacher, her tenderness prevailed. Much like her ancestors and the living matriarchs from whom she drew skill and inspiration, LaVerne used the work of her hands and heart, and the gift of a home-cooked meal or baked goods to show her love and appreciation. Reared under the Christian principles of resourcefulness, generosity, and servitude, she was an integral part of the "village" that would shape and mold the way she lived and loved.
As a sentimental being in her older years, LaVerne enjoyed writing poetry that would honor her thoughts and feelings relative to the people, places, things, and experiences she'd lived. She was graciously considerate in spirit and intentional in her giving – often curating gifts that were customized for a loved-one's specific need or interest. Very near and dear to her heart were children and the aged, whom she would generously love on, nurture, and care for with patience. Her wisdom and connection to ancestral knowledge would lead her to infamously become known and adored as the family "storyteller"; and deemed an honorary elder affectionately called "Verne". Despite any immobility, LaVerne was fiercely determined to maintain her independence in the activities of daily living. She could shop, prepare a full-course spread, watch her favorite soaps, recite her rosary and Novena prayers on-schedule, feed and nurture her fish and plants, sew you a notion, and even squeeze a little "Madea" into her day! LaVerne is preceded in death by her parents: Gloria Mae Miles and David Reed Sr.; grandparents: Almeda and Richard Brown; brother: Alfred Miles Sr.; sister-cousin: Linda Ada Love; and a number of loving relatives and friends with whom she believed she'd be reunited with in spirit.
She is survived by her daughter: Linda Reed; sons: Frederick Reed (Tammy), Whitney Reed, Michael Reed (Laura), Darrell Reed (Marjorie) and Derrick Reed (Atarayah); (16) grandchildren, (25) great-grandchildren, and (1) great-great grandchild; sisters: Inez Jones (John), Almeda Hendon (Elmo), Loretta Patton (Edward); brothers: David Reed (Paulette), Eugene Miles (Priscilla), Joseph Anthony Miles (Carolin), and James Miles (Andrea); loving aunts: Eslen B. Love, Fannie Hightower (Edward), and Theresa Williams; uncle; Jesse Brown; Godsons: Marcus Hightower and Lionel Hightower Jr.; bonus daughter: Brooke Jacobs; devoted caregiver and special friend: Rosa Ford; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, with whom she leaves loving memories.
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