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Geneva Reeves Obituary
Raymond
Geneva D. Reeves, 86, died Saturday, June 21, at her residence at Riggs Manor in Raymond, MS.
Geneva was born May 23, 1928 in Clinton, MS to Emma Wilson and Hoyt Davis.
She graduated from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and then went on to earn a Master of Christian Music Degree from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX.
In 1956, she began her career at Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS as a vocal instructor and assistant choir director. At Hinds, Geneva became known to all as Mama Reeves. She loved, accepted, and cared for each of her students like family and is remembered for her positive influence upon the hundreds of students she had the privilege to teach.
Professionally, Geneva continued to excel for many years at Hinds and went on to become the Chair of the Music Department and also earned the Ernestine Ferrell Award. After retirement in 1987, Geneva was given the status of Professor Emeritus.
Geneva was also a beloved member of the Raymond United Methodist Church, and served as the Volunteer Choral Director for many years.
She spent her final years as a resident of Riggs Manor. She cherished her friendships at Riggs, and the family is thankful for the wonderful care she received from the staff there and also from the devoted staff at Gentiva Hospice.
Geneva was a faithful wife, loving mother, devoted grandmother and great grandmother, unforgettable teacher, and loyal friend.
She is survived by her son James (J.) Leslie Reeves, Jr. (wife Wanda); daughter Geneva Nan Reeves; grandchildren Megan Reeves Logan (husband James), James Clinton Reeves (wife Victoria); great-grandchildren Ella Logan, Keaton Reeves, Sarah Logan, Embree Reeves, and Mae Reeves Logan; her sister Mary Lee Hite; many nieces and nephews; and her long-term friends Annette Stutzman, Barney McCann, and Kay Owens.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Leslie Reeves, Sr.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 23, 2014 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Lakewood Memorial Park, Jackson, MS and Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Raymond United Methodist Church in Raymond, MS. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Raymond United Methodist Church in Raymond, MS. The graveside service and interment will be on Tuesday, June 24 at Lakewood Memorial Park, in Jackson immediately following the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leslie and Geneva Reeves Choir Scholarship at Hinds Community College.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Geneva Reeves
October 1, 2014
From the moment I met them Geneva and Leslie were an ever-present reminder of all things beautiful. They still are. Jim Suber
June 30, 2014
Jim and I were saddened to hear of Geneva's passing while we were out of town. I taught with Leslie and Geneva in the Hinds Music Department for twenty years and remember the years fondly. Leslie and Geneva, along with Mary Lou Lott and Barney McCann, were the voice instructors while James Furlow, Edith Ballard, Ann Mason and I were the piano intructors. Many a talented student walked our "marble halls" and, after graduation, continued their study of music in the college of their choice.
Leslie and Geneva will never be forgotten.
Rebecca Blackwell Drake
Mary Elizabeth RAY
June 25, 2014
Mary Lee, When I read that my good friend Geneva had gone on to heaven before us, it brought back so many wonderful memories...all the way back from days of youth group at Poplar
Springs Baptist Church in Meridian,
Mississippi College, her singing at our
wedding in New Orleans 66 years ago this August. I do so wish that we had
renewed contact in recent years. My brother, John L. Gilbert, used to give us news about your family,but hasn't known much about what is going on for several years now. He and Betty Jean moved into an assisted living home in Hammond several years ago. Betty Jean died several months ago, and he has been in the Alzheimer's unit a long time. Charles and I live with our
daughter in Carrollton, MS I will be
90 Sunday and he is 92. Would love to hear from you. [email protected]
Love and prayers.
Amelia Bryon Damroth
June 25, 2014
Jay and Nan,
Thinking of you and your extended family at this time. Your parents left you with a wonderful legacy of lives well-lived. May you find comfort in the many beautiful memories.
Cheri Tompkins Loden
June 23, 2014
J. and Nan, my heart is saddened at Mama's passing but I know without a doubt that she and Papa are once again united and likely leading the Heavenly choir. I am so thankful for the reunion earlier this year. To be a part of bringing so much joy to Mama was a true honor. I love my Hinds Choir family and think very fondly of the wonderful times we had under Mama's and Papa's direction.
In the coming days, I pray that God will bring you comfort and peace that only He can.
Telisa Harwell
June 23, 2014
Mama Reeves made such a wonderful difference in my life. She most definitely contributed to the woman I am today by encouraging me and guiding me through my time at Hinds. I was so sad to have missed the Reunion earlier in the year. All of the family are in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Sandi Whittington
June 23, 2014
There will always be fond memories in many hearts for Mama Reeves. She touched many lives during her earthly passage and will be missed by all who knew her.
Roy Brookshire
June 23, 2014
I knew Geneva when she lived on Silas Brown and went to Griffith Memorial Baptist Church. Her voice was so beautiful. Geneva was beautiful as a person also. It was a treat to hear her and to see her.
Jeff Hardy
June 23, 2014
Jay, Wanda, & family, I am saddened to have just read about your Mama leaving us here. I rejoice with you that she is now reunited with "Papa", her beloved. They were such an inspiration to me my year at Hinds before I came to Clarke College in Newton. I was there the year she stepped in after "Papa" had his heart surgery. I recall vividly how she could paint pictures with her words to help us portray a song as it should be presented. Streams In the Desert was one such song. May beautiful memories give you the strength you need just now.
In His Love,
Jeff Hardy
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