Mary Reeves

Mary A. Reeves, age 92, died peacefully at the nursing facility at Planation Manor in McCalla on April 7, 2017. Devoted to her family and to her church, Mary’s life was a model of humility, selflessness, compassion, and tireless service to others.

Mary was preceded in death in 1992 by her husband, Robert Nicholas Reeves, a decorated Marine who served at Pearl Harbor, followed by a distinguished career in Birmingham Fire Department, retiring as a Battalion Chief.
Mary Reeves was born on November 16, 1924 in Gordo, Alabama, to Ocie and Ben House, the ninth of ten children on a working farm, a childhood that instilled the virtues that informed her life -- hard work, self-sacrifice, endurance, and love of family. After her marriage, she moved to the West End section of Birmingham, cared for her husband and her home, raised her children, and faithfully participated in the life of Vine Street Presbyterian Church. An active volunteer, Mary regularly visited “shut-in’s,” drove the elderly to medical appointments, led adult Bible classes and, as a seamstress of rare skill, created dolls and bears for the children of those in need. Her love for children was also reflected in a 20-year career as an Admissions Clerk in The Children’s Hospital of Birmingham.

Mary is survived by her children, Linda Andrews of Hoover, Alabama, recently retired Director of Hoover Library; Robert Nicholas Reeves III of Manhattan and Southampton, a writer and Provost at State University of New York; by her grandchildren, Mary Emily “Emmy” Andrews of Bend, Oregon, an environmental scientist; William Reeves “Rip” Andrews of Mountain Brook, Alabama, a partner in the law firm Marsh, Rickard and Bryan; and Robert Evan Reeves of Brooklyn, New York, a writer and filmmaker; by her great grandchildren, Ever Andrews and Ollie Andrews of Mountain Brook, Alabama. Mary is also survived by her sister, Sue Stephens of Birmingham, Alabama.

A reception 10-11, followed by a chapel service at 11:00, is scheduled for April 10, 2017 at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, Highway 150, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, Alabama. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all who wish to celebrate Mary’s life perform an act of kindness to a stranger.

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ,Monday, April 10, 2017
Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home Chapel
2701 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, AL 35244

Chapel

11:00 AM ,Monday, April 10, 2017
Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home Chapel
2701 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, AL 35244