Jana Lynn Mayer Reeves
May 10, 1962 - September 28, 2024
Jana Lynn (Mayer) Reeves, age 62, of Monticello, AR, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Drew Memorial - Baptist Health in Monticello, AR. She was born May 10, 1962, in Sparta, IL, to the late James L. Mayer and Nancy Lynn (Witte) Mayer. She was the widow of Michael S. Reeves, former superintendent of Drew Central School District. She had attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Sparta, IL.
Jana was a recently retired educator. She devoted 34 years to the education of students and enrichment of their lives. Throughout her career, she was a high school basketball coach, athletic official, secondary gifted and talented coordinator, and senior high school Quiz Bowl coach. She was a member of the Arkansas Governor's Quiz Bowl Association Board of Directors. She also served as a National Honor Society sponsor, the high school math department chair, and member of the School Leadership Team. She received many awards during her years as an educator, amongst which having been twice-named Master Educator at Drew Central High School. In addition to her influence as an educator, Jana's individual intellect was reflected by her membership in MENSA.
In addition to having a brilliant mathematical mind, Jana was also a very gifted artist and creative crafter. She enjoyed trivia and everything Star Trek related. She was a devoted John Denver fan. One of her favorite memories as a teenager was attending a John Denver concert with her dad. She was also a lover of animals and supported several charities benefiting animal welfare.
Jana is survived by her son, James S. Reeves, M.D. and wife Whitney of Beebe, AR along with their children Harrison Michael and Genevieve Jane; one sister, Jodi O'Brien of Tucson, AZ; nephew, Authur O'Brien of Portland, OR; niece, Melanie O'Brien of Chico, CA; stepdaughter, Renee Kelly and husband Tim of Tulsa, OK along with their children Amber Kelly of Tulsa, OK; Aaron Kelly and his wife Cherub of Montrose, CO; step great granddaughters, Karina Jae Kreiner and Stormie Rey Kelly and Jana's yellow lab, Callie.
There will be a visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Chapel in Monticello, AR.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Union cemetery in Sparta, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis (www.strayrescue.org) or Arkansas Paws in Prison (Director@PawsinPrision.org). Please sign the online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
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943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR 71655
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