She was born in the Hurricane community in Pontotoc County, MS to parents Beulah Irene and Charles W. Matkin, Sr. She graduated from Pinedale High School in Etta, MS before working for South Central Bell for 43 years. Wardean was married for 39 years to her cherished husband, Lowell Douglas “L.D.” Reeves, with whom she lived in Jackson, TN until his death. She was a longtime member of West Jackson Baptist Church where she had many friends and was a member of the Deborah Sunday School class. Wardean also enjoyed involvement with her monthly dinner club and the Telephone Pioneers of America where she had even more longtime friends.
Upon moving to Olive Branch, MS to be close to family, Wardean was active at First Baptist Church of Olive Branch, the Lighthouse Sunday School class, and the Olive Twigs group. Most of all, she loved time with her family and was renowned for her inimitable cooking skills. Meals were a time for gathering loved ones, and she took joy in being a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and faithful example of God’s love for her family. It is with faith in Christ that her family is assured of her place at His table in the heavenly kingdom.
Wardean is preceded in death by her parents, Beulah Irene and Charles W. Matkin, Sr.; siblings Jeanette Palmer and Marilyn Weeden; and her husband, L.D. Reeves.
She is survived by her brother, Charles W. Matkin, Jr. (Brenda) of New Albany, MS; daughters Brenda Boon (Trip) of Brentwood, TN and Marsha Simonton (Derek) of Olive Branch, MS; grandchildren Jeffrey Boon of Brentwood, TN, Ashley Asher (Scott) of Dothan, AL, Garrett and Grayson Simonton of Olive Branch, MS; great-grandson John Reeves Asher of Dothan, AL; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 12-1 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons, 2812 North Highland, Jackson, TN 38305 with a funeral service following at 1 p.m. Bro. Jerrod Brooks, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Olive Branch will officiate the service. Burial will follow the service at Highland Memorial Gardens, 3360 North Highland, Jackson, TN 38305.
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, the family will receive friends from 3-4 p.m. at First Baptist Church Olive Branch, 9155 Highland St., Olive Branch, MS 38654 with a Celebration of Life beginning at 4 p.m. The service will be officiated by Bro. Jerrod Brooks, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church Olive Branch.
Memorials in Wardean’s memory may be directed to First Baptist Church Olive Branch, 9155 Highland St., Olive Branch, MS 38654.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Reeves family.
