P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Jana Lynn Mayer Reeves
May 10, 1962 - September 28, 2024

Jana Lynn Mayer Reeves

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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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Visitation
Visitation
Sunday, October 6, 2024
2:00-3:30 p.m.
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Service
Graveside Service
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
2:00 p.m.
Union Cemetery
10827 Schuline Road
Sparta, IL  62286
Map & Directions

Interment
Union Cemetery
10827 Schuline Road
Sparta, IL  62286
Map & Directions

Memorial Contributions
Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Click Here to Donate

Arkansas Paws in Prison
Click Here to Donate

Condolences(9)

  1. Kraig Brown
    Jana will always hold a special place in my heart. She was an inspiration and mentor to me when I began my teaching career at Drew Central. She was one of the faculty who interviewed me, and she took a chance on me. She was always proud of my accomplishments and how my career had been progressing. I enjoyed spending Saturdays with her and the students at quiz bowl tournaments. I will always cherish her memories. May you find peace and comfort in this time of loss.
  2. Carra Hoover
    Very sorry for your loss! Mrs. Jana was an amazing teacher to me at Drew Central and never got irritated how many times she had to show me one thing more than once. She was very much welcoming, caring and a mother away from home! She made a huge impact on me finishing high school!
  3. John Bolin
    James Reeves and family, I was so sad to learn of the passing of your Mom. I will be praying for you and your family. My prayer will be for God to surround you with his love, and comfort you in your time of loss.


  4. Melanie (Allen) Meeks
    I am sending prayers to all of Jana’s family. Jana was one of the kindest human I have ever known. She was a great big sister, a caring neighbor, and a great mother. My parents loved to watch her play in the yard with her son. Jodi we had some amazing times at sleep overs and Jana never let us know we got on her nerves! She will truly be missed.
    Peace and love,
    Melanie
  5. Joy Holley
    My deepest sympathy goes out to you at this difficult time. Jana made our world a better place, and she will be missed.
  6. Alannah Hensley
    I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Reeves throughout high school at Drew Central. She gave up many Saturdays to cart us to and from Quiz Bowl tournaments around the state, always arranging a stop at a bookstore afterwards. Those weekly practices and Saturday trips are some of the happiest memories of my teenage years, and I can’t express how much of an impact Jana had on me as a young woman. I know the same is true for my classmates. I was fortunate to run into Jana a few years ago and catch up on her plans for her impending retirement. My deepest condolences to the family, please know Jana’s legacy lives on in all her former students and I cannot think of another teacher who had such a big impact on our little school. I will always remember our conversations about feminism, rescues animals, star trek, politics, and theoretical physics. Jana was a bright light in this world, and I know her light is still shining somewhere out there in the universe.

    “I believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we’ve lived.” –Jean-Luc Picard
  7. Chaille Brown
    You were a friend and a mentor. You treated my daughter like she was your own. You left a permanent mark on all of our quiz bowl students and a lasting impression on all your students. I knew when you retired and I left the school where we taught across the hall from each other that we would lose touch, but I wish I had known you were sick. Your death was a shock to say the least. JReeves, you are already missed. You will not be forgotten. Thank you for all you did for me, my family, and my teaching. ~ CBrown
  8. Cindy Luper
    I’m so sorry for your loss. Jana was one of the most intelligent people I have known. She was an excellent teacher and a great colleague. I will be out of town on Sunday but wanted to express my deepest condolences.
  9. Carolyn Shry
    I had no idea you were sick & this came as a shock to me know you had a son up north. You were a beloved member of our board for many years. You will be sorely missed board would like to do something in your memory but not flowers if son could reach out to me at email Carolynshry@ gmail would love to see what we could do
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