Lee Swint Reeves

Ima Lee Reeves of Tyler was born on March 2, 1927 to Lee and Ima Swint in Mont Belview, Texas. She passed away peacefully on March 29, 2019 at the age of 92 at her son’s home, surrounded by her children, where she had lived for the past five years. Lee was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a woman who knew what she wanted and went for it, from taking a train hundreds of miles from home to attend college at a time when few women did, to deciding that the love of her life, Gerald Reeves, was the one for her after seeing his picture in a display dedicated to enlisted men in her hometown. She stood by Jerry through his service in the Navy during World War II, many moves and transfers all over Texas and Louisiana, and tons of antics and adventures in between. She was always the number one supporter of her loved ones but wasn’t afraid to make her voice heard and opinion known! Family was the central focus in her life, and each member of her beloved family can tell stories of how she made them feel special and loved. Frugality was a principle Lee lived by, always teaching her children the value of a dollar (except as a newlywed when she and Jerry spent their last $25 to buy a dog). Food was another way Lee shared her love with others. Nobody ever left her kitchen hungry. She always had a comforting, home-cooked meal to serve to family, friends, or anyone else who might have needed a bite to eat. Her chocolate sheet cake, beans and fried corn bread couldn’t be beat! Even when she declared that her food “probably wasn’t fit to eat,” it was always delicious and prepared with love. Lee will be lovingly remembered in so many ways, large and small, from the lessons she taught us about life, to the feelings of joy found in simply sitting around the table, enjoying a meal with loved ones. Lee is survived by her three children and their spouses, Cheryl Von Gonten (Willard) of Sherman, Texas, Sandy Jones (Bryan) of Coppell, Texas, Wayne Reeves (Theresa) of Tyler; her four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister and her spouse, Marilyn and Jim Clanahan, of Midland, Texas. Per Lee’s request, a private family celebration of life will be held in lieu of a funeral service in early May at her son’s home in Tyler.

Lee Swint Reeves

March 2, 1927 - March 29, 2019