Iris Reeves, age 83, a native of Fayette, Ala., passed away December 20, 2019, at Providence Hospital. She traveled the world with her husband before settling in as a 48-year resident of Mobile, Ala. While living in Hawaii from 1961- 1964, Iris spent countless hours as an Amateur Radio Operator and President of the HAM Amateur Radio Club in 1963, providing communication for Vietnam and other isolated military men to their families. She received commendation from the Governors of Hawaii, American Samoa and military officials for her humanitarian services. Once she relocated to the Philippines, Iris was active in civilian and military organizations. The Philippine and American Government honored her for her valuable contributions. She was also selected to attend a change of command ceremony held on an isolated island, Talampulan, and was told, “she was probably the ‘first’ American woman to ever visit the island.”
In 1972, Iris founded Reeves Realty, Inc., in Mobile, Ala. The company would later grow into the Century 21 Reeves Realty franchise. Throughout her years in real estate, she would be honored with countless awards and acknowledgments such as the 1978 “Top Ten Outstanding Career Women”, 1982 REALTOR of the Year, 1982 President of the Mobile County Board of REALTORS. Century 21 Reeves Realty was awarded with the prestigious Achievement in Management award for their community involvement and production in 1978. In 1982, Iris testified before Congress to amend the Lanham Trademark Protection Act. This amendment was passed by the House and Senate in September of 1982 and was later approved and passed by President Ronald Reagan on October 12, 1982. The Century 21 Reeves Realty logo was, in result, protected along with many other franchise logos. Outside of her real estate career, Iris was appointed the “Honorary Special Advisor” to Lambert C. Mims, Mayor of Mobile, member of the Mobile Press Club, served on the City of Mobile, Location Committee of the Mobile Aquatics and other city committees, nominated by Business and Civic Club for “Mobilian of the Year” and Ford Motor Company’s “Woman of the Year”.
Later in life, Iris and her husband continued their love of traveling by touring the United States in their Winnebago RV. When they weren’t on the road, Iris spent countless hours in her garden. She was also an avid reader and became a collector of rare and first edition books. Iris did extensive research on the Davis family ancestry and genealogy. In her last years, she successfully battled throat cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Iris is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 64 years, A.C. Reeves; her parents, Mary and Roy Davis; sisters Audrey Powers, Lamar Oswalt, and Verilla Fowler; brother Carlton Davis; and infant granddaughter Lily Rebeccah Reeves.
She is survived by brother Franklin Davis; daughter Lynda Louise Reeves; sons Steven A. (Cheryl), John Thomas (Martha), and James Edward Reeves; granddaughters Richia, Rachael, Tommie, and Shenalyn Reeves, Lurreza Galit; grandsons Joe Wright (Amanda), Parker White (Helen), Christopher Reeves ( Lisa), and Steve Reeves Jr. (Alicia); great grandchildren Jade, Avery, Saryna and Connor Reeves, Asher and Sophie Wright, Iris White, Ezra and Elijah Cruz; and daughter-in-heart, Caroline Reeves.
Memorial Services to be held at Mobile Memorial Gardens Chapel on Friday, December 27th, 2019 at 9:00 AM. Funeral service to follow at 10:00 AM with Rev. Jeff Spiller officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Christ United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank Dr. Nicole Angel and Southern Cancer Center staff, staff at Providence Hospital and Christ United Methodist Church.
1936-2019
A chapel service will be held at 10am on Friday, 12/27/2019 from Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, followed by a committal service at the grave site.
