Elda Janice “Jan” Thorn Alley Reeves, age 80, of New Market, AL, was called home to be with the Lord, Sunday, September 15, 2024. Jan was born in Birmingham, AL, raised in Woodlawn and is a 1962 graduate of Woodlawn High School. After high school, she worked in administrative roles with several organizations. She married her high school sweetheart, Buddy Alley in 1967 and had two daughters (Robbin and Heather) who were her heart. After 38 years of happy marriage, she unexpectedly lost Buddy in 2005. She was blessed to find love again in 2008, marrying Bobby Jim Reeves.
She was a devout Christian who lived her life following Christ every day. She shared the gift of her angelic soprano voice singing in her high school Glee Club as well as in church. She was devoted to her family, always volunteering her time and talents to many organizations and their fundraising efforts. All throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, bird watching and being outdoors including riding motorcycles and appreciating all of God’s creation. In her retirement years, her love of all animals led her to be an advocate for homeless pets. Jan and Buddy enjoyed being a member of the Harley Owners Group “H.O.G.” Mt. Cheaha Chapter making many friends along the way and building relationships including meeting her current husband Bobby.
She is preceded in death by her parents James F. Thorn and Alma Ruth Ingram Thorn, her brother Durwood O. “Bubba” Thorn and his wife Sybil Kidd Thorn, brother Edward F. “Ed” Thorn, sister Anita Ruth Thorn Hicks, brother-in-law James R. “Jim” Hicks, husband Charles K. “Buddy” Alley and nephews Durwood O. “Dee” Thorn Jr. and James Carson “Jamie” Thorn.
She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Bobby Jim Reeves, New Market, AL.; loving and proud daughters Robbin Alley Garcia (Larry), Alachua, FL.; Heather Janice Alley Hope (Joel), New Market, AL.; only grandchild Sunny Hope; sister-in-law Nita Thorn, Huntington Beach, CA.; nieces and nephews Aisha Holmes Thorn, Edward F. “Eddie” Thorn (Annette) and family; Marsha (Keith) Morrow and family; Todd (Janet) Parker and family; Stacy (Stacey) Parker and family; Anissa “Sissy” Hicks; Rob (Donita) Hicks and family and many great nieces, nephews and friends.
Our deepest gratitude to the many doctors, nurses and medical staff including the MICU and CCU at Huntsville Hospital for their excellent medical care, compassion and kindness over the last four and a half months. Also would like to thank her personal physicians and specialists for many years of wonderful care.
Family will receive friends during visitation at Ridout’s Brown Service Funeral Home, 711 Memorial Dr. SW, Decatur, AL 35601 on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 5:00-7:00 pm.
Graveside service will be at Forest Hill Cemetery 431 60th St. North, Birmingham, AL 35212 at 11:00 am on Friday, September 20, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of her memory to The American Diabetes Association and/or your local animal shelter.
Family was everything to her and she was everything to her family.
Ridout’s Brown Service Funeral Home directing.
