Shirley Reeves

Shirley B. Reeves, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the age of 95, surrounded by family. She was the beloved wife of the late William G. Reeves, with whom she shared over 70 years of marriage, and the cherished mother of William P. Reeves, Deborah L. Tarvin (the late Thomas Tarvin), and the late Christina and Robert Reeves.

Shirley also leaves behind her grandchildren whom she helped raise-Shannon (the late Michael), Shawn, Robby, Brittany (Whit), and Ryan (Angela)-and her great-grandchildren-Kylie, Anthony, Nathan, Hazen, Reeve, and Leon.

Though small in stature, Shirley's presence was grand and full of warmth. She lit up whenever she held a baby-her "sweetie pies"-and dedicated her life to nurturing her family in her role as mother, grandmother (Sittie), and great-grandmother.

Although Shirley never learned to drive or ride a bike, she had many meaningful journeys that shaped the remarkable woman she was. At the age of 17 she met the love of her life, William, at Coney Island's Sunlight Pool just two days after he was discharged from the Navy. From that day forward, they were inseparable until William's passing in 2017. Together, they raised a family, opened a real estate firm, and filled their home with parties, Lebanese feasts, and festive Christmas decorations that stayed up long after the holidays had passed.

Shirley was a spirited woman who enjoyed a good glass of bourbon and had a knack for winning at cards ("aaaand ace"). She loved the Cincinnati Reds, especially Joey Votto, and watched every game from start to finish no matter how badly they were losing. While these things brought her joy, Shirley had a particular fondness for purses and never left the house without one that matched her outfit.

She was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and recited the rosary each night before bed. It's said that she made a deal with Allah as a young woman to give up meat on Fridays in exchange for her husband passing his real estate broker exam-a promise she kept until the day she died, even though sometimes that also meant giving up her beloved Skyline chili.

In recent years, Shirley often joked that she hadn't done what she was supposed to do on Earth and that Allah didn't want her yet. But now, her time has come, and she is joyfully reunited with all the loved ones who preceded her. While we will miss her dearly, we are comforted knowing she is at peace and surrounded by those she loves once again.

Shirley's life will be celebrated with a service at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 4473 Mt. Carmel Tobasco Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45244, on Saturday, August 31st. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9 AM to 10 AM at the church's chapel with a Mass to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in honor of William P. Reeves, her son.  

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