Annie Lenora (Stewart) Reaves (Age 69) of Fort Washington, Maryland.

My Story…
Birth is a beginning, life a journey, and death a destination.

Annie Lenora Reaves
February 23, 1945 - February 19, 2015
Place of Birth: Middleburg, Virginia

My family consisted of seven siblings: Vance L. Gilliam (Washington, DC), Perry W.Gilliam (deceased), Eleanor E. Gilliam (Washington, DC), Louis H. Gilliam (Gainesville, VA), Charles Frederick Stewart, Jr. (Baltimore, MD), Edward Allen Stewart (Adelphi, MD), and me, Sweetie, as my family and dearest friends lovingly called me.

As a child, growing up on a farm, I enjoyed good home cooking, and wholesome country living. There were always lots of family and friends around and we truly enjoyed each other. I remember days of traveling down the road to nursing school. My classmates would load up the car and we would head out on our way; some to work,
some to school and me to nursing school. We always worked hard and played hard too. Those bonds have lasted throughout my lifetime.

Not too long after graduation, I was a proud licensed practical nurse when I met and fell in love with my husband of almost 30 years. From our marriage, we were blessed with the birth of our handsome son, the son-shine of my life, Ron, Jr., and our beautiful precious daughter, Veronica. We lost our dear son, Ron, to cancer in 1996. We have missed him tremendously. However, we were fully blessed to watch our daughter, Veronica, grow into a very talented, professional and loving woman of God. I am so
very grateful for the love and care that I have been shown by Veronica, her husband, Willie, and my grandbabbies, Brittany and Courtney. I was well taken care of each day by my family, and many others who loved me, and supported them.

When my children were younger, Ron, Sr. and I wanted them to have a foundation of opportunities and positive relationships. This led me to join Jack and Jill of America, Inc. I was afforded the opportunity to serve as president for two years. We were true
movers-and-shakers back then, doing everything we could to invest in our children's future. We were members for over 15 years and made many lifelong friends.

I was honored to be able to work as a nurse for over 40 years. I am grateful for the many nurses, doctors and staff at INOVA Hospital. Over those years, my coworkers became my family. Stephanie Pryor and I became BFF's early in my career. We stayed
connected even after she moved to Richmond. I lived with Julia Shoup for a stint. My dear friend Will Young has been there for me every step of the way. They helped me to realize that friends are the family that you choose for yourself.

I was baptized in the river at an early age. I've known the Lord my whole life and grew up with a strong family foundation. Church was always apart of our family-life. We joined Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church in 1978. The pastor was Samuel
NeSmith. Over the years, we were all very involved. Our children made many friends in the Methodist Youth Fellowship, choir and Sunday School. I served in many offices, and various committees, and on the Administrative Council. I worked with the children.
I was also Lay Leader, Membership Chair, Alexandria District and Annual Conference Delegate, and an officer of the United Methodist Women.

I had many heroes and she-roes throughout my life. My mother, Jessie B. Stewart taught me how to cook, love my family and appreciate the true joys of life. My father, Charles F. Stewart, Sr., was a hard worker who exemplified and taught me the
importance of a strong work ethic. In addition, each of my six older siblings taught me many of the values that shaped me throughout my life.

I went home to be with my Lord on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 9:50 pm. I leave behind my daughter Veronica, her husband Willie, my beautiful granddaughters, Brittany and Courtney. I also leave behind my siblings: Vance, Eleanor "Sister", Louis, Chuck,
and Allen. I leave my 24 nieces and nephews, and a host of great and great-great nieces and nephews. I leave behind my one aunt, Ruth Jackson, and two dear friends William Young and Stephanie Pryor. I leave my goddaughters, Pam Neal, and Paula Neal who was a wonderful nurse-daughter to me. And finally, I leave behind my angels from Capital Caring, and my Visiting Angels, Judy and Shaunda.

To all of you, I leave an earthly lifetime of loving memories.
And until we meet again…
live, love, laugh.

My Viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until time of Service, 11 a.m., Friday, February 27, 2015 at my church home, Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church, 606A South Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia. I will be Interred at Pleasant Valley Memorial Park, Annandale, Virginia.