Veryl L. Harvey was born Sept. 11, 1930, to Douglas and Elizabeth Bannister in Baltimore, Md. She was educated in the Baltimore public school system and graduated from Douglas High in 1948.
April 10 1948, she married the love of her life, John T. Harvey Sr. From this union, John and Veryl were blessed with a son, the Rev. John T. Harvey Jr., and a daughter, Karen Y. Greene. Veryl Harvey was the epitome of a virtuous Christian wife and mother. She was a loving, devoted wife who showered her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unconditional love, direction and support.
Harvey worked as an elevator operator for Hutzler Brothers Store in downtown Baltimore. She then joined her husband in working at the Social Security Administration. Veryl retired after a successful 25-year career.
John and Veryl did not wait until retirement to enjoy themselves. They loved traveling and experiencing different cultures. Their years together included trips to Spain, Morocco, Venezuela, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, Alaska and various cruises that included Hawaii and the Dominican Republic.
Harvey accepted Christ at the First Colored Baptist Church of Maryland, where she served faithfully since 1950. During that time, she actively served on the Usher Board, participated in the Booster’s Club, Matrons, Nettie Williams Guild and sang on the Sanctuary Choir. She taught Sunday school and served over 20 years as the superintendent of the First Baptist Church Sunday School. She taught in the Vacation Bible School and actively canvassed the community, inviting young children to learn about Jesus. Veryl and John were active members of the National Baptist Convention, attending several sessions across the country more than the years. Harvey was a faithful member of the Deaconess Board and an informal mentor to many young ladies in First Baptist Church.
To cherish her memory, she leaves a dutiful husband, Deacon John T. Harvey Sr.; one son, the Rev. John T. Harvey Jr.; one daughter, Karen Y. Green (Collace); eight grandchildren, Dawn Muhammad (Kenya), John T. Harvey III, Katrice Wiley (Kevin), Christopher Harvey, Justin Harvey, Jordan Harvey, Collace Greene III and Rachel Greene; nine great-grandchildren; three goddaughters; a host of nieces and nephews; and Sunday school “Children of God” who regarded her as an adopted mother.
Veryl Harvey lived a long virtuous life. We celebrate a woman who influenced every life she touched, and by the grace of memories, love and family lineage, it is evident that she is much with us all in spirit.