A Shepherd's Voice that Continues to Speak

Jeffrey Joseph Reed (66), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, shepherd, and friend, was called home to the presence of his Lord on February 28, 2026. Though our hearts are pierced by personal loss, they remain anchored in the unshakable hope of the resurrection. Born on October 31, 1959, Jeffrey devoted the greater part of his earthly life to serving as a faithful under-shepherd of Christ. He guarded the flock entrusted to him, laid foundations that will endure for generations, served with sacrificial strength, and loved with steadfast and unwavering conviction.

Called to Shepherd

Jeffrey's life was deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As bishop and founder of Powerhouse of Deliverance Ministries, he preached not for applause, but for repentance, restoration, and true spiritual transformation. As founder and instructor of the Adullam School of Ministry, he poured wisdom, discipline, and revelation into the Body of Christ, equipping believers to walk confidently in their Kingdom identity and divine purpose.

Jeffrey did not merely preach Psalm 23, he lived it. He walked alongside people through their darkest valleys, stood watch during seasons of uncertainty and threat, and guarded the flock entrusted to his care with courage and compassion. Not only was he a faithful shepherd, Jeffrey also was an avid fisherman, both on the water and in ministry. He cherished early mornings with the Lord as well as casting a line at daybreak. His greatest passion, however, was casting the net of the Gospel, confident in its power as the means of salvation to all who believe.

For decades, Jeffrey could be found before sunrise at the sanctuary in prayer. Morning after morning he lifted his voice in intercession for his family, his ministry, the Body of Christ around the world, the fair City of Bay Saint Louis, and the nations.

Jeffrey's ministry was powerful and unique. It called men to integrity, strengthened families in covenant relationships, developed leaders of conviction, challenged believers to live with courageous and uncompromising faith, and taught unbelievers to develop personal relationships with Christ.

Through his books, Bent Nails and Chipped Bricks and From the Cave to the Throne, he taught that adversity is never disqualification, it is preparation. He firmly believed that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. He understood that God forges strength in hidden places and refines leaders long before He reveals them publicly.

A Builder of Foundations

Jeffrey earned degrees in Masonry and Industrial Technology and was recognized as a Masonry Master by the World of Concrete and the World of Masonry, an achievement that reflected both skill and discipline.

As the owner and operator of Reed's Masonry, LLC, he was a master craftsman whose professional life beautifully mirrored his spiritual philosophy: strong foundations determine lasting structures. He partnered with pastors across the nation in designing and building churches. While he laid bricks, blocks, stone and poured concrete with excellence, his greatest construction projects were the foundations of faith, discipline, and character he helped establish in the lives of others.

Jeffrey designed and constructed the J.H. Covington Family Life Center, a recreational facility dedicated to serving young people and named for the founder of the Powerhouse of Deliverance Churches of Apostolic Faith. This endeavor reflected Jeffrey's belief that whether a structure is physical or spiritual, it must be built with steady hands, patient labor, and long-term vision.

The foundations built by Bishop Jeffrey Joseph Reed will continue to stand the tests of time.

A Servant Leader in the Public Square

A proud member of Bay High School's Class of 1977 and a college football standout at PRCC and West Virginia State University, Jeffrey had every opportunity to plant his life elsewhere, yet he made a deliberate and heartfelt decision to return to Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, the place that had shaped him and captured his loyalty. Rather than seeking brighter lights or broader horizons, he chose to devote his gifts, energy, and life to the very community he loved.

In his cherished "Southern City by the Bay," he and his wife, Tina, faithfully established a thriving ministry, built a respected and successful business, and raised an extraordinary family whose lives all reflect the values they instilled.

For 20 years, Jeffrey faithfully represented Ward 3 as City Councilman, championing initiatives that produced meaningful and measurable change his underserved community. His leadership extended beyond policy into personal investment: he hosted Avenues for Success, a government-funded program serving at-risk youth, and founded Boys-to-Men, a summer mentoring initiative that guided young males from boyhood into responsible manhood while instilling a strong work ethic through structured vocational training and intentional mentorship. Throughout his tenure, Jeffrey's godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, biblical convictions, and moral integrity anchored every decision. He refused bribes, resisted manipulation, avoided conflicts of interest, and never voted contrary to the best interests of his constituents. He understood that public office was a sacred trust to serve the people faithfully while honoring God, who alone was his source.

In addition to his ongoing support of the local Boys and Girls Club, Jeffrey often sponsored and hosted weekly breakfasts for Bay High School's athletic teams. On game days, he or invited guests and pastoral colleagues would offer encouragement and inspiration, reminding young athletes that character matters more than the final scores on the scoreboard.

Jeffrey's leadership shone most brightly during and after Hurricane Katrina. In the face of immense devastation, he remained steady and present. He mobilized resources, coordinated relief efforts, established distribution points, and personally invested his labor, finances, and materials to help rebuild Ward 3's Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, homes, businesses, sidewalks, and most importantly, hope. He believed that authentic leadership meant standing with people in the middle of their storm.

For his extraordinary service, he was honored with the Governor's Humanitarian Award, the Key to the City of La Habra, California, the Spirit of Greatness Award, and numerous other recognitions for his Katrina recovery efforts. Yet accolades or titles never defined him. Service to others in the name of his Heavenly Father was his highest honor.

His First Flock

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his father, Leroy G. Reed; his mother, Romalee Lanueaux-Reed; his paternal grandparents, James Reed and Elsie Saucier; his maternal grandparents, Ralph Laneaux and Shirley McAllister; and his brother, Leroy G. Reed.

His most sacred calling, however, was within his own home. He firmly believed that God never calls a man of God to neglect his own bride for the Bride of Christ.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 44 years, Pastor Tina Maria Reed; his beloved daughters Stephanie Green (Joshua), Kendra Clark (Ricardo), Tamara Reed, and Christa Reed, daughters who knew him as a present, protective, and prayerful father; his siblings Lisa Dunklin (Louis), Tracie Lewis (Delfred), Shirley Reed, Amy Thomas, Franklin Reed (Tamara), Frankie Reed (Lori), and Leroy Thomas; his cherished grandchildren Olivia Clark, Alaia Clark, and Reed Clark; along with a host of extended family members, spiritual sons and daughters, pastoral colleagues, and a community forever strengthened by his faithful presence.

Jeffrey's voice continues to echo in their courage, their integrity, and their deepened faith. The full scope of his multi-national and multi-generational ministerial impact upon the Kingdom of God is known most fully by the One he faithfully served.

Though we all grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope. We draw comfort from this promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NIV), "…we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

The Voice that Remains

A shepherd's voice does not fade when he leaves the field. It remains with the sheep who have learned to recognize it. It resounds in sermons that still convict and encourage. It reverberates in the prayers he faithfully prayed over his flock. It is embedded in the foundations he laid, both spiritual and physical, for generations to come. And it endures in the call to serve faithfully, to lead courageously, and to stand firm in the Christian faith.

Jeffrey's voice was never his own. He was an ambassador for Christ. Because his voice consistently pointed others to our Lord, it continues to speak. We trust that God was pleased with His good and faithful servant, so the Chief Shepherd called him from labor into eternal reward.

Jeffrey Joseph Reed fought the good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him at that day. This promise is not to him only, but unto all that love His appearing.

Well done, Jeffrey. Servant, well done.