Annie Lois Reaves Blakely

Obituary

Annie Lois Reaves, daughter of Clifford and Ollie Reaves, was born on September 13, 1942. Annie Lois, or simply Lois, as family called her, was a member of Bold Springs Baptist Church.

She graduated from the Hancock County School System and, was full of determination to be successful.  Lois pursued and obtained a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education   in New Haven, CT.      While in school she worked helping her mother provide for the needs of her younger siblings back home. She continues forge new bonds with family and friends that she encountered in New Haven. In fact, it was there she met her husband John Blakely.

After graduation Lois returned to her southern roots in Georgia and embarked upon a career as an educator that would span over 4 decades, serving both the Hancock County and Atlanta Public School systems. A born nurturer, she dedicated herself not only to caring for her students but was also always available if a fellow educator brought a mischievous nephew (Mike, Jessie Jr.) to her to reprimand.

Lois gave an abundance of love and guidance to her only child, her daughter Chandra, and they were together for the duration of her life. She was also a caregiver to her sister Marie's children Leo, Chelle, Mike, Shon, and Ratio, watching over them and guiding them alongside their mother. She spoiled her youngest brothers who liked to eat her snacks and borrow her car. She was fiercely protective, especially of her nieces, and if a young man wanting to spend time with them and did not receive her seal of approval, she made sure to tell them.   Just ask Bonnie, Phyllis, or Genia! Summers were spent watching over her nephews when they came over to (supposedly) swim in the pool but somehow found themselves diving in from the roof, sending her anxiety soaring (you know who you are, Brown and Ingram boys)! The great-nieces and great-nephews served as surrogate grandchildren and were an eternal source of entertainment for her.

In short, Lois adored her family; everyone has a story they could tell about their relationship with her, because she enjoyed nothing greater than serving and spending time with her loved ones. Her happiness wasn't complete unless she was passing out souvenirs from her travels, teasing her "Butterball," serving her famous white cakes and fruit cakes during the holidays, dancing with her brothers and brothers-in-law at family parties, chatting on the phone with her sisters, having a glass of wine with her daughter, and opening her home to her daughter's friends, who loved her and called her "Mama." Her heart was kind and generous, and if someone needed her she gave of herself with no hesitation or expectation. It was simply who she was. Family meant everything to her.

On December 13, 2019, Lois departed this life. Her passing may have been abrupt, but her life certainly was not, as it was filled with love, laughter and dancing. She found blessings in each and every day. She always spoke with gratitude towards the Lord, and her faith in His plan never waivered even during this season of grief.

Preceeding her in death are her parents Clifford and Ollie and three siblings whom she missed dearly: Exturs Reaves, Marie Foster, and Curtis Paul Reaves.

Lois will be forever remembered by her husband, John; her daughter Chandra Blakely (Derick); brothers Rev. Willie C. Swint, Sr. (Ruth), Deacon Kenneth Reaves Sr. (Willie Mae), Jessie Reaves (Mattie), Johnny Reaves, and Cecil W Reaves (Lisa); sisters Melvyn A Brown (Grady), Susie Gunn (Melvin), Lannie Lewis (Joe), Agnes Washington (Ken), Tara Worthen (Melvin), and Doris Justice (Billy); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and other family and friends.

www.dawsonsmortuary.com

Services entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary ~98 Hopgood St. Warrenton, GA

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