Born in Leeds on 16th July 1880, Percy Verity was baptised at St. Andrew, Leeds on the 13th October that year. Percy was the third son of compositor Benjamin Verity and of Mary Hannah (Polly) Trueman. The family moved to Birmingham, living at 71 Anderton Road. Percy became a piano maker, working alongside his elder brother Harry at Sames Ltd. In Ombersley Road.

In 1917 Percy married compositor’s daughter Nellie Victoria Smith, and they lived with her family at 7, Lime Grove, Stratford Road in Sparkbrook. After a time working at BSA, Percy joined the Royal Berkshire (Princess Charlotte of Wales) regiment, and was sent to France in September 1918. Seven weeks later, on 1st November 1918, Percy was killed in action in the last days of the war. He is buried in Poix-du-Nord cemetery.

Percy’s wife Nellie Victoria Smith was the sister of Charles Edgar Smith and of Arthur Ernest Smith, both killed in action during 1917, also commemorated at St. Agatha’s. After the war Nellie lived with her mother and family at Lime Grove, and continued to live there with Albert, her eldest surviving brother. Nellie never remarried, and lived to the age of 78.