Iris G Reeves

Iris Genelle Reeves, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, niece and friend, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at her home in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Baltimore. Iris was a woman of quiet strength, determination, and drive. A political activist, Baltimore City Councilperson, teacher and social worker, Iris’ reach was far and wide, a bright spirit that touched the people she encountered. Iris wanted to help people, and she did. Iris was born in Burlington, North Carolina on October 9, 1939, to Lucian Gant, a painter for the Western Electric Co. and Mabel Hazel Gant, a teacher. Iris was an only child, who in high school was a member of the National Honor Society, the Future Homemakers of America and played saxophone in the school band. Iris attended Howard University where she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology (1961) and a Master of Social Work degree (1963). Iris began her professional career as a psychiatric social worker with the State of Maryland and continued as a school social worker and subsequently a student placement specialist with the Baltimore City Public Schools. She served in the Maryland Office of Personnel as a legislative specialist. In 1962, Iris married “the love her life”, Norman V.A. Reeves, Jr. Iris and Norman had two wonderful children of which they were so proud, Norman V.A. Reeves III and Traci A. Reeves. The Reeves family was strong. Norman recently retired from his position at United Parcel Service, and tragically Traci passed away in 1990. After Norman passed away, Iris was appointed to succeed him as City Councilperson in 1983, representing Northwest Baltimore’s 5th District. Iris inspired an intense interest in education and economic development. Iris brought dynamic leadership and representation to Northwest Baltimore’s neighborhoods, along with colleagues and friends, Vera Hall and Rikki Spector. In three subsequent elections, Iris was reelected to the council by very substantial margins and became a powerful political voice in her own right. Because of her commitment, formidable voice and intellect, Iris was sought out by many non-profit organizations to serve on boards. Among them she was President of the Baltimore League of Women Voters, League for the Handicapped, American Civil Liberties Union, Fairmount Neighborhood Association, New Democratic Coalition, Women’s Power, Inc., Baltimore City Commission for Children and Youth, and the Leukemia Society. Iris was an active member of her church home at Macedonia Baptist Church and served on its Bereavement Committee. Iris loved to travel, and she and her husband collected numerous pieces of African art which decorated their home. Her son Norman said of his mother “Today is my mother’s homecoming, a bright day to pay tribute to a bright light that enriched the lives of anyone she encountered or in passing. With her infectious smile, pleasant spirit and vibrant personality her reach was far and wide. She served her community with zeal and flair as she moved through her life; I already miss her.” Iris is survived by son Norman, his wife Fiol and granddaughters Cierra and Sydney, great-granddaughter Bella, best and childhood friend Jennette Wade, Mark Sissman, and Barbara Squires, Judy Smith, and a host of family and friends.

Tributes

Iris G Reeves

October 9, 1939 - May 23, 2025