Natina Tiawanna Reed’s parents, Rev. Paul Reed and Tamara Goodridge, are searching for answers as to why their daughter was crossing Lawrenceville Highway, near Lilburn, Ga., while on her cellphone when she was struck by a car and killed.
In an effort to clarify initial reports of a hit-and-run, the driver of the car actually pulled over and her passenger performed CPR. But, it was too late.
Natina Reed of Blaque: Last Concert Performance (Photos)
Reed, 32, who as a little girl dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, was a songwriter and a member of the R&B girl-group Blaque, short for Believing in Life and Achieving a Quest for Unity in Everything. The group was formed by the late Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes, who also died in a tragic car accident less than a month before her 31st birthday.
While growing up, Reed’s father pastored a church where she played drums and was an active part of the drama ministry. Having a vibrant personality and creative style, she’d been tapped for advertising campaigns by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
“She loved acting,” Goodridge tells the AJC. “The group was extended the opportunity to work on the soundtrack for the Marvin Gaye movie that is to be filmed, and she was looking at a role in the movie.”
Modeling since age eight, the budding actress played a sassy student named Jenelope in the movie Bring It On, as part of the East Compton Clovers’ cheerleading squad, alongside actress Gabrielle Union. 
Reed will be laid to rest on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Abundant Life Church in Lithonia, Ga., an Atlanta suburb. The public wake will take place Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at the Willie A. Watkins funeral home’s special event center in Lithonia.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her 10-year-old son, Tren; sisters, Niesha Reed of Atlanta, Genni Reed of New York; brother, Michael Whalen of Atlanta; grandparents, John A. and Florine Reed of New York; stepfather Mark Goodridge of Covington; stepmother Luci Reed of Atlanta; and seven step-siblings in London. –yvette caslin
