Reva Mae Bennett

Reva Mae White, was born on June 14, 1936, in the small country town of Washington, Arkansas. She was affectionately called Reva Mae and was the second of five children born to the late William P and Phoebia White. She accepted Christ at an early age. Reva Mae peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on August 17th 2024 at the age of 88.

Reva Mae's early years were filled with simple pleasures, like playing jacks and spending time with her beloved aunts Marie and Earseline, cousins Thelma, Joan and her best friend Evelyn Gibson. She cherished visiting her grandfather Carl P. White’s (Papo) orchards, where she enjoyed fresh peaches, pears, plums, blackberries, and apples.

At 16, Reva Mae’s family moved to San Diego, California, embracing the vision of her Aunt Octaria Draper. She graduated from San Diego High School, where she made lifelong friends and memories that would warm her heart for years to come.

Family was the cornerstone of Reva Mae’s life. She adored her grandmother Mary Lee White (Mamo) and embraced moments with her extended family. Reva Mae was the family matriarch, a guiding light, and a comforting presence. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great-Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and Cousin. Reva Mae created a strong and loving legacy that spans generations.

Every morning she prayed, to include thanking God for waking her up before enjoying a warm cup of coffee in her favorite chair by the window or on her back patio, surrounded by her beautiful blooming roses. Her garden was a sanctuary, a place to nurture her plants and cultivate peace. Cooking for her family was one of her greatest joys. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of collard or mustard greens, roast, fried chicken, pound cakes, sweet potato pies, homemade peach preserves and much more. Every meal was an act of love, every bite a reminder of her generous spirit.

Reva Mae was preceded in death by her parents, William P. and Phoebia White; her siblings Helen Ruth Sails, Tilmer White, Chester White, and Earl Ray White; her son Maurice Joyce; and her granddaughter, Chelsia Joyce. She now rejoins them, embraced by love in the arms of our ancestors.

She leaves behind a legacy of love to her entire family: Sons Joseph Joyce, Eric Joyce, Stevie Joyce and Ronald Joyce, and Daughters Jacquelynn Miller and Marlynn Robinson; 13 Grandchildren Toralynn Wooden, Kiana Joyce, Tanisha Joyce, Shauntel Joyce, Aundrea Joyce, Erin Joyce, Justin Joyce, Stevie Joyce, Kirk Ramsey, Monica Joyce, Shagirah Joyce, Erica Joyce, Jaylen Robinson and 17 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren who continue to carry her spirit forward. Each one is a symbol of the love and wisdom she shared.

Rest in peace, sweet Reva Mae. Your love, your light, and your legacy will live on forever.