JoAnn (Thompson) Reaves left with the angels on Thursday, May 19, 2022 in the early morning at her home in Brotmanville, NJ.

JoAnn was born July 11, 1934 to the late Martin and Sheba (Atkins) Thompson in Chunky, Mississippi. She was the youngest of ten children born to this union. The family moved to Bridgeton, NJ and attended Friendship Baptist Church, Brotmanville, NJ. She met the late Frank Finest Reaves, Sr. at church and they were married on August 25, 1951. She was the "doll" of his life. To this union four children were born; Grace Ann (Miss Ann), Gloria Jean (Pooch/Pattycake), Frank, Jr. (Didlee) and Dennis (Frog). The children were often referred to by their parents as "the birds".

JoAnn was employed by the Pittsgrove Township Board of Education, first as a Librarian and later became the Secretary to the various Principals at Norma School for 34 years (1969-2003). She was loved by all that attended Norma School and she considered them her family too. In 1975, she and her late husband Frank, Sr. established the business of Frank F. Reaves and Sons Tire Service in Brotmanville, where she was the bookkeeper. Their motto was and always will be "Service With a Smile Every Time". She also volunteered at the Rainbow Center now known as Eagle View Nursing Home after the passing of her beloved Frank in 2008 and continued until COVID-19 began.

She was a member of the Norma PTA, NAACP, Women's Auxiliary of the Norma Fire Company and Brotmanville bowling league. She was always willing to be a chaperone for class trips. She was also an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys. She was affectionately known as the "Spaghetti Lady".

JoAnn was a faithful member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Brotmanville, where she served on the Deaconess and Mother Board, Financial Secretary, Missionaries Board, Ushers Board, Pastor's Aide, Mass and Adult Choirs, Kitchen Ministry and an advisor to the Youth Choir. She was very involved in all aspects of the church. Always having a smile and a gentle tone in her voice, she was loved by all.

She is survived by two sons, Rev. Frank (Paula) F. Reaves Jr, of Brotmanville, NJ, Dennis (Christine) of Leesburg, VA; two daughters, Grace Reaves Garrett of Norma, NJ and Gloria J. (Kevin) Phillips of Norfolk,VA; a son-in-law Rev. Ernest Garrett of Vineland, NJ; 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; her sister Gloria Mae Morgan of Brotmanville, NJ, two sisters-in-law Irma Bland of Minneapolis, MN. and Beulah Reaves of Harrisburg, PA; a special aunt Authurene Reaves of Brotmanville, NJ; her special nurse and our little sister, Kim Yerby-Green and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.

In addition to her wonderful parents and loving husband she was predeceased by her 3 sisters, Katie Whitehead, Catherine Anderson and Evelyn Thompson and her 5 brothers Dan, Howard, Alec, Marvin and Issac Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Frank & JoAnn Reaves Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Friendship Baptist Church. Please make checks payable to Friendship Baptist Church c/o Rev. Frank F. Reaves, Jr. 919 Garden Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318