On January 12, 2023, Reva Johnson Bailey passed away after a long battle with Dementia/Alzheimer’s, at the age of 81. Reva will be forever remembered by her daughter, DeLinda (John) Yoder; three grandchildren; Amy (David), Jay (Valentina), and Aby (Michael); four great-grandchildren; Ryan, Ethan, Easton and Layla; sisters: Betty Bailey; Bonnie Jones; sisters-in-law: Margaret Johnson and Nadine Hardin; plus a host of nieces, nephews, friends and her beloved Chase Church of God Family.
Reva was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, of 55 years, Ed; parents, Charles & Zelma Johnson; brothers, Elmer, Charles, Gordon, Lloyd; Winford “Chief” Waters, Grady and Clinton Waters; and sister; Vondie Johnson.
Reva was a member of the Church of God. She attended Chase Church of God until January 12, 2023, when God moved her to the Congregation in Heaven. Before her health issues, she helped with coordinating meals for the Church whether it to be for Revival Meals; Fellowships, or Breakfast at the Alabama Campmeeting. She enjoyed helping with Bible School teaching the Primary Class. She looked for bargains all year to include in their Goodie Bags. She was always ready to go to church including camp meetings and fellowship meetings even after her health began to fail. She would spend hours packing and “pulling” together her clothes. Reva loved to hear the children sing and play their handbells. They came and encouraged her with their songs, smiles, and hugs. They brought great joy to her in her final days here on earth.
Reva graduated from S. R. Butler High School in 1960. She still enjoyed attending events that the alumni held from Butler and Farley Elementary. Reva began her professional career at the University of Alabama Extension Center in Huntsville on September 17, 1959, as a part-time assistant during her senior year of high school. She became a full-time employee on June 1, 1960. She married Ed on June 22, 1960.
Reva worked full-time and also went to UAH where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. She continued working there until her retirement. UAH was her only full-time job. She held various positions and taught classes at UAH. When she retired, she held the position of Registrar and International Advisor. In November 1985, she began the Harvest Dinner for International Students, which turned into a “home-cooked” traditional Thanksgiving Meal for housing students that also included Internationals. At her retirement, the Harvest Dinner Fund was established so that dinner could continue. Even after retiring from full-time work, she continued working with the International Student office for several years. Her love for her Charger family continued with her listening to most Men’s Basketball games on the radio. She loved to sit on the porch and wave to the students as they walked to class. Several of the basketball team players spent lots of time checking on her and sitting on the porch talking with her daily. Some even adopted her at different holidays and blessed her with flowers and gifts. She may not have understood the game but listened for the name of the boys that had become like family to her.
She became the “Mother” to others in her neighborhood. She watched daily looking for George and his brother, Mark “the boys” to come by for the saltines with peanut butter that she had fixed just for him. The stroke had taken away George’s ability to speak, but Reva was always able to get a smile.
Reva enjoyed gardening when she was physically able. She and Ed had a large garden and loved to share it with friends and family. Even as Dementia/Alzheimer’s advanced, plants were still planted for her to enjoy. She would take her Home Health therapist to see the plants not realizing they were thankful she was interacting with them while walking in the backyard to show them her plants.
Reva and Ed were Yard/Garage Sale Addicts. They could be found countywide on Fridays and Saturdays looking for the next big deal. If Ed bought a lawn mower, Reva had to find a punch bowl or set of china. Her “deals” filled the house with lots of glassware, sets of china, and knick-knacks. Reva also enjoyed having yard sales at her house. She prepared for days and set up when it was still dark. Her grandchildren were always expected to be there to help cashier and bag the treasures for others.
“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.”
Mom, Nana, Grand-Nana, Sis. Reva, Aunt, Sister, Friend…..regardless of what she was to you – She will be missed greatly.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 11 AM – 2 PM with Funeral Services following at 2:00 at Berryhill Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Brian Shump (Pastor) and Bro. Paul O’Neil officiating. Pallbearers will be Ted Towry, Daren Carter, Kevin Hardin, Lowell Hardin, Ben Holmes and Tom Shump. Honorary Pallbearers: Lloyd Johnson, Jr., Roger Suttles, Seth Carter, Gabe Holmes, Rickey Shump, Jeremiah Shump, Ryan Towry, Ethan Towry, and Timothy Towry. Interment will follow at Rescue Cemetary in Morgan City, Alabama.
Special words from John and DeLinda…
We want to thank God for His daily grace, help & strength during Mom’s illness. We could not have made it without Him. A heartfelt thank-you to Bro. & Sis. Shump and Chase Congregation for their prayers, love, and care for Mom and her family. Thank you to all the Sisters of the congregation that were willing to stay with Mom so that we could attend church together. Thank you to those who stayed with mom so that we could do errands and just take a breath for a short time. Saints are Saints and are always there to help in any way needed.
We want to say thank you to Dr. Robert Marlow and his staff for their help at the beginning of mom’s Alzheimer’s journey. Thank you to Hospice of North Alabama and its staff for their assistance during this past year. A special thanks to Dr. Glosemeyer, Stacey & Cricket (RNs); Mike (Social Worker), Brianna (NP), and all of her CNAs that took such good care of her.
To each of you who took time to visit, text, call, prepare meals, send cards… We want you to know that as Reva’s family, we appreciate more than words can express.
