Eleanor F. James

Eleanor Fay (Reeves) James was born on May 18, 1916 in Luther, Oklahoma, as the second child of fourteen children to Jessie Jordan Reeves and Willie Faye (Hardimon) Reeves.

Eleanor accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Methodist Church. She later moved her membership to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church of Arcadia where she served as a deaconess and choir leader.

Eleanor united in marriage to Simpson James on April 15, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Eleanor worked outside of her home for many years before starting her own daycare center. She served the community for more than three decades, providing three hot meals daily and offering extended childcare to children of all ages and cultures.

Eleanor was well known in her community as “Elean”. The City of Arcadia recognized her numerous times for her contributions. She was a devoted wife, sister and aunt. She was accredited for raising several of her siblings and many nieces, nephews, greats and great-greats.

Elean labored long. In addition to managing a successful daycare, she was also a successful farmer. She resided in Arcadia, Oklahoma the majority of her life before moving to assisted living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and then later to Flower Mound, Texas. The doctors and hospital staff adored her and would often speak of how she warmed their hearts with her smile and laughter.

Elean was full of spirit until the Lord called her home from labor on March 15, 2011. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; her husband of 37 years; seven brothers: Wiggins Reeves, Jessie Alfonso Reeves, Otis Reeves, James Reeves, Calvin Reeves, Orville Reeves and Charles Reeves; and five sisters: Pearl Reeves, Opal Nichols, Helen Reeves, Wanda Reeves and a sister that died at birth.

Elean leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Jewel (Reeves) Polk and a host of loving nieces and nephews to whom she is truly missed.

Services entrused to the care of Baggerley Funeral Home of Edmond, Oklahoma.