Joan Reaves

Joan Hayes Reaves of South Boston, Virginia, passed away on March 3, 2026, at the age of 77. She was born on November 18, 1948, in Danville, Virginia, to Mack and Bertha Thomas Hayes.  She was the devoted and loving wife of 49 years to James Daniel "Danny" Reaves, Jr.

Joan was multi talented self-employed artist specializing in ceramics and porcelain dolls. Her creativity and dedication were also evident in her successful upholstery shop, which she and her husband ran for many years. Beyond her professional life, Joan had an unending love for birds and the wildlife. She found immense joy working in her garden, tending to flowers and creating a paradise right at home. A true adventurer at heart, Joan was able to visit 42 states, but she most enjoyed exploring the beach for seashells and shark teeth, collecting treasures from the shore. She was fondly remembered for cherishing simple pleasures like indulging in a scoop of her favorite ice cream.

To her family and friends, Joan was a pillar of strength and versatility. Known affectionately as “Mama could do anything,” she was the one everyone turned to for advice, wisdom, and encouragement. Above all else, her title as "Granny" and "Nana" was her most treasured role, she adored all of her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Danny; her children, Janet Lynn Simpson, Lori Ann Reaves and husband, Garrick Vogt and Michael Reaves and wife, Melissa "LuLu"; grandchildren, Ashley Jewett, Mack Reaves, Maggie Vogt and John Luke Reaves; her fur babies, Dixie, Millie and Callie Cat; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, James Daniel Reaves, III and her siblings, Beulah Bartee, Johnny Linwood Hayes, Magdalene "Maggie" Hodges, Dorothy Doss, Clyde Hayes, Jean Jones, Raymond Hayes, Barbara Hodges, Mack Hayes, Jr, Jerry Hayes, Odell Hayes, and Irene Milstead and a special friend, Faye Hayes.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Dan River Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, 1 PM until 2 PM at the church and other times at the home.

Brooks Lyon Funeral and Cremation Services, 115 Main Street, South Boston is honored to be serving the Reaves family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.brookslyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.