Vivian Reeves

Vivian Imogene Graves Reeves passed into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Odessa, Texas, at the age of 88.

On November 4, 1934, Vivian was born on a cotton farm in the south-eastern corner of Missouri. Together with her parents and three siblings, they worked on the land and lived in a home without electricity or plumbing, but she did not dwell on that. Instead, Vivian recounted to her grandchildren stories about how that part of the world seemed like and adventurous scene out of a Huckleberry Finn chapter. Following graduation from high school in Hornersville, MO, she moved to St. Louis and worked as a telephone switch-board operator.

While living in St. Louis, Vivian met Glenn Reeves, who was in the city for a stop with the Army field band. It was love at first sight, and the two corresponded fervently over the following year. They were married July 22, 1955, and remained married 43 years until his death in 1999. She kept all of his letters, even through moves to four assisted- living facilities. On visits, Vivian would often be found with his “love letter” and chocolate wrappers strewn across her bed.

Vivian and Glenn had three children, Dianne, Doug and Danny, whom they raise in the Baptist church. Over the years she participated in the bible study and study club “coffee” groups and taught Sunday school. Even as Alzheimer’s progressed, Vivian retained her dry, witty personality, which made her a comedian amongst her friend groups. She brought her wit to Odessa regional Medical Center, working as a postpartum nurse for 30 years to care for new mothers. At home, Vivian created fantastic, homemade holiday spreads, was a skilled seamstress, and filled her garden with four o’clock, canna lilies, and gladiolas. After retirement and with the help of a neighbor, she created a dozen birdhouse hotels in her background.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Reeves; her parents, Holbert and Luella Graves; her sister, sue Rogers; her brothers, Roy Graves and Joe Graves; her daughter-in-law, Shelly Reeves; and her great grandson Cameron Combs.

She is survived by her daughter, Dianne Combs and husband Dean of Odessa; their children, Caleb, Kelly and Katherine; her sons, Doug Reeves of Odessa, Danny Reeves and wife Kay of Caddo Gap, Arkansas; their children, Tanner, Kacey, and Zach. She is also survived by several great grandchildren.

Vivian spent the last six years of her life at the Orchard Park Memory Care, and Vivian’s family would like to thank Orchards Park’s administrator, Cassandra, for always looking out for Vivian and for bringing Vivian her last cup of coffee. Vivian’s family will hold a private memorial, with arrangements entrusted ty sunset Memorial Gardens and funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make a kind donation to your favorite charity.