Obituary of Christine B Reaves

We are so honored that God in his infinite wisdom gave the universe 95 glorious years with Christine Blake Reaves. She was strong in her Christian commitment, trustworthy in her leadership, and our beloved family matriarch. Christine Blake Reaves was born on October 23, 1929, to Norman and Lalur Rieves in Goldston, North Carolina. Christine was the third of five children: Landora, Louise, Burleigh, and Estella. She attended Goldston Colored High School, a one-room schoolhouse, from kindergarten to twelfth grade. Christine encountered a teacher, Miss Ann Thompson, who changed the trajectory of her life. Ann Thompson saw so much promise in Christine that she offered to adopt her when her parents seemed reluctant to send her to college. Although her mother and stepfather, Oscar Edwards, did not know much about college they sacrificed to send her since Miss Thompson deemed it important. Christine graduated high school at the age of fifteen and enrolled in Shaw University in North Carolina where she majored in Mathematics. While attending Shaw University, she served on the homecoming court and pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. After graduation, Christine moved to Philadelphia, PA to pursue a career in education. Christine taught in the Camden City School District and earned her Master's Degree in Administration from Rutgers University. Then Christine served as Supervisor of Mathematics and African American Studies for the District. Christine served as Supervisor of Mathematics until she retired. Christine was one of the founding members of P. R. I. M. E., Inc. (Philadelphia Regional Introduction of Minorities to Engineering). P.R.I.M.E. was a precursor to today’s STEM programs and served as a pathway through which partnerships were formed with regional corporations, universities and Philadelphia and Camden School Districts. Minority students excelling in Math and Science engaged in advanced classes while being exposed to college campus life. P.R.I.M.E. endeavored to expose youth to the intricacies of college admissions through career mapping in an effort to ensure future success. Christine was a woman of few words and without pretense she actively worked in service of others. Christine was a member of the Association for the Study of the African American Life and History, Inc. Following the mission of (ASALH) founded in 1915 by Carter G Woodson, Christine promoted bringing the history and culture of Africa to all. She served as president of the Camden County branch for many years. Her membership to the Camden County Historical Society enabled her to align Camden City's history with Camden School District curriculum as students participated in numerous events. She was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa Inc., an international professional organization for educators founded in 1906. Christine served at her beloved Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Moorestown, NJ for over 50 years in multiple areas including the Steward Board, Trustee Board and as a passionate member of the Mary C. Muse Missionary Society. Christine married three times; the first union produced three children, Emily (deceased) Frederick (deceased), and Monica. Her youngest child, Seleka, came from her second union. After retiring, Christine was blessed to form a union with her childhood sweetheart, Ramon Reaves. They traveled the world whenever they were not commuting between New Jersey and their hometown in Goldston, North Carolina. Together they served in their ministry until his passing in 2017. She leaves to mourn and cherish fond memories, two daughters, Monica Hall of Voorhees, NJ and Seleka (Reggie) Kerr of Tampa, FL; two grandchildren Alexis (Earl) Hazell of Tuscaloosa, AL and Jared Davis of Mesa, AZ; and nephews, Kenneth McIntosh (caregiver) Sicklerville, NJ, Alexis Pearce of Atlanta, GA, Richard Sutton of Greensboro, NC and a host of loving relatives and friends.