Jeraldine Reed was born March 3, 1947 in Columbus, MS to John and Addie  Williams.  She was the 8th child of 10 children.

Jeraldine moved to East St. Louis with her mother and sister when she was 4 years old.  She attended the East St. Louis School District and graduated from Lincoln High School.

Jeraldine confessed hope in Christ and was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church in East St. Louis, IL.  She met and married Gene Reed in 1967. He preceded her in death along with her parents and siblings, Fred Bryson, Mattie Jones, Johnny Williams, Essie Brown, Gather Williams, and Stanley Williams.

Jeraldine returned to Columbus to help take care of her father.  She decided to stay in Columbus with her sister after her father died. She also joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a member and an usher for 20 plus years.  Later, she joined Greater Mt. Zion Church where she was a member until her health started  declining.

When Jeraldine wasn't attending church, she loved reading her bible.  He favorite scripture was Psalms 23. She also loved watching soap operas.