Millie Ann Williams Reeves, 70, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, transitioned peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025, surrounded by her children.
Millie was born on March 11, 1954, to the late James Williams of St. Louis, Missouri and Johnnie Mae Williams of Chattanooga. She departed this life leaving behind a legacy of love for her family and friends, and steadfast dedication to her church and community.
Millie was an outgoing and sociable child who naturally gained popularity and friends. She graduated from Riverside High School, class of 1972 where she reigned as “Miss Riverside High”. She went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University and graduated from Edmondson College. She loved her alma maters and participated in homecomings and class reunions yearly.
Millie started her career in the hospital systems as a dietician at Erlanger. She went on to work at every major hospital in the city including Park Ridge Hospital and CHI Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Department. Millie was a people person and garnered the hearts of patients and staff alike as a hospital registrar. Her kindness toward those in need of medical care made her well-known and well-loved everywhere she worked.
Millie was a faithful member of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church. Throughout the years she has served as a delegate for the AME General Conferences, stewardess, missionary and served her local body through many other auxiliaries.
Millie was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Archie D. Reeves Jr. just two weeks prior to her passing; her parents James and Johnnie Mae Williams, and her daughter Amie Reeves.
She leaves to cherish her memory three children Arcie D. Reeves of Chattanooga, TN, Karris Robinson (Terrell) of Mableton, GA, and Brian Reeves of Nashville, TN. Her sister/cousin Raynetta Jenkins of Cleveland, Ohio and best friend since the third grade, Patricia Armour of Chattanooga. Millie’s greatest joy was her only grandchild, Tatum James Robinson of Mableton, GA; whom she affectionately called her “sweet thing”. Her memory will also be cherished by a host of cousins and close friends who will treasure her memory and carry on her legacy of love and service.
The defining verse of Millie’s life is Proverbs 31:29-31 “Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.” NKJV
A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Millie Ann Williams Reeves will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m. at Ponders Brainerd Chapel. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens East Cemetery. Mrs. Reeves will lie in repose on Friday, Feb. 7, starting at 12 p.m., and the family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday evening. A repast will be held at the funeral home following the interment.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Brainerd Chapel, 4203 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN. (423) 531-4002. For further details, visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.