P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR 71655
Jana Lynn Mayer Reeves, obituary portrait — Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home

In Loving Memory

Jana Lynn MayerReeves

Date of Birth May 10, 1962
Passed Away On September 28, 2024
At Age 62 years
Resident of Monticello, AR
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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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Services

Visitation

Visitation

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home

943 Highway 425 North

Monticello, AR, 71655

October 6, 2024

2:00-3:30 p.m.

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Service

Graveside Service

Union Cemetery

10827 Schuline Road

Sparta, IL, 62286

October 9, 2024

2:00 PM

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Interment

Union Cemetery

10827 Schuline Road

Sparta, IL, 62286

Memorial Contributions

Stray Rescue of St. Louis

Memorial Contributions

Arkansas Paws in Prison

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Condolences (10)

S
Sara Colbert Schoenborn Waterloo, IL October 10, 2024
"My heart goes out to Jana's sister Jodi and her son Jimmy. I was heartbroken to learn of Jana's passing. She and I had been friends since we were tots. We were born in the same hospital just a few days apart and our mothers roomed together in the maternity ward. They became fast friends as did Jana and I growing up. We were in the same kindergarten class and always put our mats together at naptime. :-) We were close friends throughout elementary & high school, college and remained close even after moving far apart from one another, writing (and later emailing) each other often. I know she was regarded as being highly intelligent but the Jana I knew was just a normal fun-loving girl with a big beautiful smile. Right now there's a big empty hole where she should be but I know we will all see each other again one fine day."
K
Kraig Brown Star City, AR October 7, 2024
"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."
C
Carra Hoover Bonnerdale, AR October 7, 2024
"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!"
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