Bria Vanessa (Reed) Peralta was born on December 18, 1992; and entered into glory at 12:10 AM on January 15, 2023.  She was a beloved daughter, wife, sibling, niece, cousin and friend who was no stranger to prayer, praise and worship.

Bria was a premature baby; born with a heart condition called Tetrology of Fallot. From the very beginning, she proved to be a strong and feisty little fighter. She had open heart surgery December 9th 1993; nine days before her first birthday. Her mom will never forget the post operation report that stated. “as her body was being warmed and removed from the by-pass machine her heart IMMEDIATELY started to beat on its own”. 

Bria was raised in Willingboro, New Jersey. When she was an infant; her siblings, Tiffany and Jordan, were often found hovering over her. Bria grew up assured she could depend on her big brother and sister. She knew their love would exist forever and never be broken; not even by death. Her older siblings admired the strength, quick wit and sarcasm of their baby sister. 

Bria attended both the Willingboro and Burlington Township School systems in New Jersey.  And driven by her love for culinary arts, she attended the Burlington County Technical Institute, Westampton, NJ. 

Bria also developed a special love and passion for helping senior citizens and those with medical challenges. One of her dreams was to learn to cook special dishes for diabetics and others who had dietary challenges. Bria’s desire was to devote her life to making the lives of others better.  It was always apparent that her heart that doctors called “defective’ was one made of pure gold; and filled with love. 

Bria loved the Lord.  In 2007 she joined and was baptized at Star of Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia , Pa.; under the pastorate of Rev Hubert B. Barnes.  She was baptized by her Dad, who was on the ministerial staff at the church. Her favorite Scripture was John 20:29: “…Blessed are those who have not seen and believe.” 

In many ways Bria was an “old soul” who sometimes expressed her frustrations with the world and her aim to go to heaven by saying:  “I’m glad this world is not my home; I’m just passing through.” They were the words she often heard from Momma Rudd, a dear family friend and babysitter who Bria lovingly called grand mom. 

Bria LOVED to eat and ironically ended up working in the food industry her entire adult life. Through her years she was employed by Dunkin Donuts, Cheesecake Factory and Grand Lux Restaurants.  It was while working as a greeter at Grand Lux restaurant in Cherry Hill, New Jersey where she met John “JP” Peralta, the love of her life. They quickly became inseparable. His love, adoration and respect for her was and continues to be unquestionable. They dated for 7 years before they were married on October 24, 2019. It was an extremely rare occasion to see one without the other.  John admits, and Bria confirmed, that she was “spoiled” and lovingly pampered by her husband.  They often finished each other’s sentences and would randomly start singing songs until they laughed hysterically. The couple was blessed to have and enjoy their life together.

Even though Bria and John moved to Florida, she continued to zoom in and live stream Star of Hope worship services and ministries.  She participated in their week day zoom Bible studies, monthly Women’s Ministry events and other virtual church gatherings. She was a peaceful individual who enjoyed quiet afternoons on her patio. Bria could be found sitting in her favorite chair; reading her Bible and enjoying a devotional reading,  She always made time for Jesus.

Bria’s life was full and well-lived. God alone wrote her story and she lived it to the best of her ability. Then on January 15, 2023; God, in His sovereign power and infinite wisdom, called Bria by name. She was ready for the call and responded, “yes Lord.”  Her family and about twenty plus physicians worked tirelessly to keep Bria in this life, but God’s call was louder than that of the world.  To Our Precious Bria:  You heard the call, shifted your crown, straightened your back and walked through the gates of heaven. It was then that you realized you were finally HOME. Now we are broken, but confident we will see you again soon.  Bria, you are and will be forever Loved. 

Bria is preceded in death by: paternal grandparents, Paulette B. Conner and James Conner;  paternal grandfather, James G. Reed; father in-law, Juan Peralta; and surrogate grandmother, Leila Rudd. 

In the wake of her passing, Bria leaves to morn: her husband, John W. Peralta; Mother, Jhanita Conner and Waynelette Worrill; Dad, James Reed; Everlina Reed, siblings, Tiffany and Jordan (Kelly); nephew, Evan; mother in-law Carmela, and surrogate grandmother Rose Bethea

She is also sadly missed by her uncles and aunts: Regina Conner, James A. Conner, (Ida), Jamie (Conner) King (Heath). And paternal uncles; Anthony Reed and Dwayne Reed.  As well cousins: Seretta, Kareema, Andre, David, James (Bo), Sean, Antoine, Paul, Christopher, Samantha, Regina, Imani, Ashley, Elijah, Paige (Justin), Sage, Amesses, Hassan, Kailah. 

Also grieving her loss: are her cousins, Ebony, Saron, Noel, Anthony jr., Christian, and Arielle; Aunt Claudia, Uncle Carlos and JonCarlo and Daniel. Bria’s brother in-law Chris (Nadya) and Max. are also among the grieving, along with a host of other family and friends.

Sorrowfully submitted by the family as we leave you with Bria’s favorite passage, Romans 1:16 &17:  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith. 

Visitation will be Tuesday, 11:00am - 2:00pm with a Funeral Service Tuesday afternoon at Landmark Funeral Home, 4200 Hollywood Boulevard.