Helen Imogene Reaves

A memorial service for Helen Imogene Reaves, 96, will be held Saturday, October 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the Weaver Church of God, with grandson, Rev. Nathan Payne, and son-in-law, Bishop Harold Payne officiating. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. one hour before the service.

Mrs. Reaves was transferred to her heavenly home October 11, 2023, at Regional Medical Center. She leaves behind her son, Wayne (Katie) Reaves, daughters, Brenda (Harold) Payne and Sue (Troy) Knowles, 14 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren; brother, Larry Allen and sister, Joan Baker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bishop Curtis Reaves; son, Danny Reaves; and brother, Buddy Allen.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Brian, Khristian, Chase, and Caleb Reaves, and Andrew Koppelman.

Mrs. Reaves was a member of the Weaver Church of God. After her loyalty and love for her Savior, first and foremost, she was a wife, mother and grandmother. Her 60-plus decades-long marriage was a constant delight to her family. When the couple sat beside each other, they always held hands, prompting one tiny grandchild to quip, “What kind of hand is that?” Her husband cherished her….anyone who showed disrespect to his wife was promptly reprimanded. With the help of her family she cared for this precious man for over three years as they dealt with Alzheimer’s, as always, together. As a mother she worked constantly, on the job and at home, to provide for her family. Children’s friends and family members were always welcome; hospitality was always extended to everyone. After all, a potato could be added to the pot if guests wanted to share a meal. A good cook, two of her specialties were “the world’s easiest pound cake” and chocolate cake with “crackle” icing. Her cheese ball was a requirement for holiday tables. Any time her “kids” came home was perhaps her favorite occasion. Helen Reaves was a giver, generous to a fault. She babysat a number of her grandchildren and the couple seldom went on vacation or an extended trip without one or two grandchildren accompanying them. As a pastor’s wife she reminisced often of, and so valued, the years she spent as the wife of a minister. The last congregation they served before retirement, the Mount Olive Church of God, held precious memories and she spoke of their time there often. Just a few months ago, Dr. Kristen Bains agreed to use the “old” surgical technique for Helen to receive a cornea transplant: her age and health prevented heavy anesthesia. Once again she was able to see the faces of her loved ones, be able to maneuver her wheelchair through her home, and see what she was eating. Talking watches were not loud enough to overcome her diminishing hearing but now she could see the clock to tell time.

Special thanks to her organ donor and Dr. Bains whose surgical skill provided the precious gift of sight during her final months. Deep family gratitude to Jessica Mason (Amedisys nurse) and the staff of RMC’s ninth floor — with special appreciation to Cathy Green, Kelli Gilliand, Felicia Turner, and Adam Wiggington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelHillFH.com for the Reaves family.