Rhea Joan Reeves

Rhea J. Reeves           “Servant of the Lord”

COUDERSPORT, Pa.---Rhea Joan Reeves, 85, of Coudersport, went into the presence of her Savior on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Born on November 14, 1933, in Borie, PA, she was a daughter of Merrick V. and Miriam J. Reed Jackson.  On August 30, 1957, at the Prouty Church, she married Charles H. Reeves, who died on January 6, 2009.

Rhea was a graduate of the Coudersport High School, class of 1951.  She worked for a period of time in Emporium, PA, and then attended the Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in Buffalo, NY, graduating in 1954.  She joined several sisters at Tennessee Temple School in Chattanooga, TN, and graduated from the Bible School in 1957.

In 1961, Rhea, along with her husband, Charles, was accepted by Baptist Mid-Missions to go as church-planting missionaries to the state of Alaska.  From 1963-2004, Rhea work alongside her husband serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in many churches across the state of Alaska.  She spent many years teaching children’s Bible clubs in her home, Sunday schools in churches, and ministering at Bible camps.  She also invested herself into the lives of many women by discipling them in the Word of God. 

Rhea enjoyed cooking and her table was often filled with friends who just stopped by to visit or were shown Christian hospitality. 

She was always willing to learn new things.  She taught herself to play the piano so there would be a church pianist; took classes in painting and produced many beautiful Alaska scenes; and learned how to decorate cakes and used her talent in providing wedding cakes to family and friends.

Rhea is survived by a daughter, Rebekah L. (Thomas) Jones of Chesapeake, VA; and two sons, Michael C. (Ruth) Reeves of Coudersport, PA, and Joel H. (Carole) Reeves of Anchorage, AK.  Rhea is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Greta Jackson of Sebring, FL and Marilyn (Robert) Wagner of Coudersport, PA; two brothers, Donald (Carol) Jackson and Daryl (Judy) Jackson, both of Coudersport, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Charles, Rhea was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and one sister.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at North Eulalia Baptist Church, 683 State Route 49 East, Coudersport, where funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Michael Reeves, pastor of North Eulalia Baptist Church and Mrs. Reeves’ son, officiating.  Burial will be in Summit Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baptist Mid-Missions, 7749 Webster Road, Cleveland, OH 44130.

Rhea’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, share a fond memory or view a video tribute of Rhea, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com