Vera Reed

Vera Mae Reed, 83, of Zion, IL, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2010, at home with her family. Vera was born to the union of Henry and Lula Sylvester in Chicago, IL, on December 5, 1926. Vera attended and graduated from Chicago Public Schools. Vera met her loving husband of 64 years, Thomas H. Reed, Sr., and they happily married on January 6, 1946. Their union produced four beautiful children, which they happily raised. Priscilla, Rosetta, Thomas, Jr., and Pamela. Vera was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age at LeClaire Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. Vera and her family moved from Chicago, IL, and made her home in Zion, IL, in 1972. Vera commuted back and forth to Chicago while working as a Nurses Aid at St. Anthony's Hospital until 1975. She then worked as a Nurses Aid at Sheridan Healthcare, in Zion, IL and eventually retired from American Fluorescent in Gurnee, IL. Vera loved her family dearly. She was a seamstress and made most of their clothing. She loved to collect recipes and was a great cook, She cooked daily always preparing enough to feed the whole family and others. Vera loved taking care of her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were her pride and joy. She was known to many as "Granny", children and adults alike. Vera was a strong woman and the backbone of her family. She fought a good fight. She leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved Husband, Thomas H. Reed, Sr. "Tommy"; one son, Thomas, Jr. (Mary Ann); three daughters, Priscilla, Rosetta (Paul), and Pamela (Aaron); 11 grandchildren, Meisha, Sean, Marcus (Lisa), Angela, Christopher, Quincy, Brian, Nadrina, Victoria, Natasha, and Jarnae; 12 great-grandchildren, Lorenzo, Jr., Anthony, Sierra, Brian, Emmanuel, Judea, Jordel, Jade, Jared, Landon, Amaya, and JaMere; sister, Delores (John); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Vera was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Lula Sylvester; two brothers, Harold and Robert Lee; two sisters, Dorothy and Mamie; a granddaughter, Monica and a great-granddaughter, Asia. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Waukegan Baptist Bible Church, 1500 Sunset Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60087, with Pastor Gregory Randall officiating. Burial will be immediately following the service, at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL. Arrangements will be handled by Congdon & Company Funeral Directors, Ltd., 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL 60099.