Emma Jean "Jeannie" Reeves

Emma Jean “Jeannie” Reeves, age 85, of Gautier, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Born on February 24, 1940, Jeannie lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.

As a teacher and businesswoman, Jeannie inspired countless lives with her passion for learning, her unwavering determination, and her boundless generosity. She embraced life to the fullest, finding joy in traveling, shopping, and sharing a cocktail with friends. Those who knew her will remember her vibrant personality and the way she could light up any room she entered.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her first love, Dr. Ernest McCraw; her second love, James “Peewee” Reeves; her daughter, Rhonda Chesser; and her parents, Hazel and Earl Lewis.

She is survived by her devoted dog, Gatti; her cherished grandchildren, Katherine Chesser of Laurel, Mississippi, and Kaitlin Chesser of Madison, Mississippi; her best friends Angela Desporte and Nancy Gambrell; her stepchildren, Karon Harrison and Graham Reeves (Rhonda), and her grandson, Alex Reeves (Swayze); as well as three great-granddaughters. Jeannie is also survived by her loving siblings, Harry Lewis, Sylvia Lehman, and Emmitt Lewis (Becky); and a host of extended family and dear friends from all walks of life who brought her so much happiness.

A service celebrating Jeannie’s remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, with the service following at 3:00 PM. After the service, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at the Crown in downtown Ocean Springs.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kerry Endris for always being Jeannie’s right hand. We would also like to thank Jeannie’s many friends, whose love and companionship were such an important part of her life.

Jeannie’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will forever remain a source of warmth, love, and laughter.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Emma Jean "Jeannie" Reeves.