Jane Reeves

RICHMOND, VA -- On Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, Jane Reeves, lifelong educator, social activist, loving mother and grandmother, departed this life suddenly, after a brief illness.

The oldest of three children, Jane was born in Lima, Ohio, to Harold Weisenbarger and Carrie Hetrick Weisenbarger. She grew up in Lima and spent summers at the family's cherished Michigan cottage, Playmore, a place she returned each summer for over 80 years. She attended Denison University where she was president of the Alpha Phi Sorority her senior year.

After graduation, Jane moved to Boston and enrolled in Simmons School of Social Work. Upon completion of her Master's degree, Jane joined a team of psychiatrists, sociologists and social workers at Boston Children's Hospital, seeking to understand the impact of extreme poverty on child welfare and family social dynamics. That work became part of a landmark study by Eleanor Pavenstadt, entitled THE DRIFTERS: CHILDREN OF DISORGANIZED LOWER-CLASS FAMILIES. Her research also contributed to the final report of the Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health, published in 1961.

In 1963, Jane married Bill Reeves and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii where the couple had three children. While in Hawaii, she volunteered for Common Cause and was a frequent participant in anti-war demonstrations.

In 1972, Jane and Bill moved to Virginia, first to Chatham, where she worked for the Virginia Department of Social Services in child welfare and advocacy, and ultimately to Richmond, where she was hired by Virginia Commonwealth University to oversee field placement of students in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program. She later became Director of the Bachelor of Social Work program, a position she held until her retirement in 2001. In retirement, Jane remained politically active and continued to teach and mentor students well into her 80's.

Jane was a friend to many, offering personal and helpful support to those she held close. An invitation to join Bill and Jane for dinner in their West end home was cherished by those who received it. She brought fantastic desserts to share with the "Beach Group" each summer for over 20 years. Jane will be missed for the wisdom of her advice, the comfort of her presence and her ongoing commitments to social justice.

Jane saw the dignity and potential in every individual and was fearless and unapologetic in her defense of the marginalized and underprivileged. Throughout her life, she engaged passionately in her community at many levels. She led by example and inspired those around her to care for the lowliest and to work for a more peaceful and equitable world.

A true Renaissance woman, Jane loved to travel, was an avid reader, a skilled chef, a master gardener, an opera lover, an experienced bird watcher, and a keen naturalist. She found particular delight in studying insects and frogs. In later life, her love of the natural world was surpassed only by her love for family, especially her precious children and grandchildren and her beloved cat, Harry.

Jane was predeceased by Bill Reeves, her husband of 56 years and her grandson, Zackary Dolan. She is survived by William H Reeves of Honolulu, HI (Debbie Berger), Hannah Reeves of Tiverton, RI (Tom Cook) and Molly Dolan (Matt Dolan) of Richmond, VA. as well as three grandchildren, Eliana Jade Reeves, Kiara Lily Reeves and Wila Sage Reeves Cook. She is also survived by her sister, Sue Kelly, brother Philip Weisenbarger and 13 cherished nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the Cedarfield community, which embraced both Bill and Jane and enriched the quality of their life over the past decade.

A memorial service will be held at Cedarfield on January 24th at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: VCU School of Social Work BSW program, St. Paul's Church, or the Cedarfield Angel Fund.