Doris Aileen Reaves, age 93, of Fort Washington, Maryland

Doris A. Reaves was born on December 27, 1930, in Nash County, North Carolina. She was the second of seven children born to Fred and Viola Richardson. Her baptism, an early milestone in her life, held profound significance and remained etched in her heart as a cherished memory. Guided by faith, she found solace and community at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Nashville, North Carolina until she moved to Washington D.C. in her early adult years. There, she became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church before joining From the Heart Church Ministries.

In the journey of her life, Doris was blessed with eight remarkable children from her two marriages.  She was the embodiment of grace and strength as she raised her children, facing life's trials with courage and resilience. Her unwavering faith in God served as a source of inspiration.

On June 29, 1974, Doris married the love of her life, Josephus Reaves. Doris was an excellent cook and was known for her delectable mac & cheese, candied yams, and collard greens. Together with Josephus, they delighted in hosting backyard barbecues, journeying to her hometown in North Carolina, as well as his hometown in South Carolina to visit family.

Doris also cherished the joys of being a grandmother, welcoming numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren into her heart. Her legacy, woven with love and laughter, spanned generations. As a mother and grandmother, she forged familial bonds that endured a lifetime.

After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Doris retired from St. Elizabeth's Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and care as a nursing assistant. Retirement brought her and Josephus the gift of time—a treasure they savored amidst the warmth of family and friends.

Though she bid farewell to her beloved husband Josephus in February 2003; her son Robert A. Cooper in April 1995; her mother, Viola in October 1991, her father, Fred in December 1997, as well as her sister Eldner Wiggins in February 2019, brother, Bermon Nathaniel Richardson (who passed away shortly after birth) their spirits remained intertwined with hers, guiding her onward.

Doris leaves behind a heritage of love and strength, survived by seven children: Doris O. Jeter (Clifford) of Centreville, VA; Linda Curtis (Ronald) of Fort Washington, MD; Frances Page (Ernest) of Indian Head, MD; Ananias Cooper (Paulette) of Waldorf, MD; Freddie Cooper of Fort Washington, MD; Janice Viola Hemphill of Accokeek, MD; and Calvin Cooper (Sharon) of Fort Washington, MD.

She is also survived by her brothers Fred Richardson, Jr. (Juanita) of Fort Washington, MD, and Robert Lee Richardson of Rosamond, CA, as well as sisters Viola Clark of Oxon Hill, MD, and Bessie Logan (Doise) of Fort Washington, MD. Doris' life is further honored by her surviving aunt Hazel Gillis of Manalapan Township, New Jersey, brother-in-law, Sidney Wiggins, Sr. of Leesburg, VA, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews, each a testament to her enduring love and legacy.

In her passing, Doris A. Reaves leaves behind a beautiful and blessed life enriched by the grace of her Lord and Savior.

Her Viewing will be 10:00 am until time of Service, 11:00 am, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Fort Foote Baptist Church, 8310 Fort Foote Road, Fort Washington, Maryland.  Interment, 1:45 pm, Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.