Jeannette

Reeves

Obituary of Jeannette Reeves

Jeannette Barbara Reeves, known as Ma to her children, was born on September 27, 1944, in Augusta, Georgia to Laura Ellison and William Tidwell. She grew up in the Lower East Side of New York City where she met and married her first and only love, Robert "Bobby" Reeves on August 14, 1965. The marriage produced two children adored by both parents -Mark "Pookie Boy" and Simone "Mona." The family moved to Teaneck, NJ in 1972.

In 1973, Jeannette began her career at IBM in Paramus, NJ, and retired in 2009 after 36 years of service as a Senior Editor and Publisher. In 1995, Jeannette and Bobby moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and lived happily there until he perished in 2010. After her children begged her to return North after Bobby passed, Jeannette, known for being fiercely outspoken and independent, assured them she would be fine. She reminded them that she never wanted to be a burden and was happy among friends and neighbors that became extended family. This extended family includes her work son Ivan Issa; her godson Darrell Rouse, his wife Delia, and daughters; Tyrone Watson, his wife Marie, and daughters; her work daughter Paula Williams; and her sister-friend Shirley Benning and children.

Jeannette will be remembered for her love for family, shopping, minding her business, not telling her business, and for the many, many dogs that she loved. Especially Kandi, Tee Tee, and her guard dog Teddy who were with her when she transitioned from this world to be with the Lord and loved ones waiting for her on the other side.

Jeannette is survived by her children Mark and Simone Reeves of Bergen County, New Jersey; daughter-in-law Jennifer Reeves; three grandchildren, Marinna, Michael, and Justin; her Uncle "Billy" Ruben Ellison; her Aunt Betty McDaniel; brother-in-law Joe "Cotton" Felder; children from other mothers, Booinca McCray-Tajani and Dane Cooper; and a host of cousins, friends, and colleagues who will miss her dearly.

Mark and Simone would like to acknowledge and thank all the members of the extended North Carolina and New Jersey families who loved her just as much as they did. While life goes on, it will never be the same without their Ma.