Marion Elizabeth Langhorne Reavis

Her Legacy Who can find a virtuous Woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life . . . Strength and honour are her clothing . . . She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and her tongue is the law of kindness . . . Herchildren arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Proverbs 31:10-28 (KJV) Marion Elizabeth Langhorne Reavis departed this life May 6, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was born in Lynchburg, Virginia December 2, 1937, the first of five children of the late Thomas O. and Laura Davis Langhorne. She grew up in the Lynchburg “Rivermont” neighborhood in a family where she was loved, and she knew deep faith and education were highly valued. She graduated from Dunbar High School Class of 1956; earned a B.S. degree from Virginia State College in 1960 and began her teaching career that year as the first grade teacher at Armstrong School replacing her very own first grade teacher, the famous Miss Valentine. On November 23, 1961, she became the bride of a Virginia Seminary student from Lawrenceville, Virginia who had been a Lynchburg Civil Rights protester, Ralph Reavis. She went with Ralph, a young minister, who became the pastor of churches in Buggs Island, Surry County, Portsmouth and Richmond, Virginia. When they were in Surry, she was blessed with the birth of their son, Ralph, Jr. She enjoyed being a mother, and carring Ralph, Jr. with her as she continued graduate studies at Hampton Institute. She also drove daily from Surry to teach at Isle of Wight Elementary School, 4th grade, where she was chosen as the Teacher of the Year. When they moved to Richmond, Marion taught 4th grade at Blackwell Elementary. At Blackwell, Marion also worked with an after school enrichment program. She and other teachers had the opportunity to take 12 of the program’s students on a trip to Nassau, Bahamas. Successful fundraisers and the sponsorship of Consolidated Bank made the program and reward for these very special students and their teachers possible. One of her students described her as a “no nonsense teacher who made us want to learn.” Being the wife of a Pastor can be tough. Marion found solace in the fellowship and training experiences of the International Association of Minister’s Wives and Ministers’s Widows (IAMWMW). She joined the Association in 1971 with the Tidewater Ministers Wives. She held office as Treasurer and President of the Richmond Fellowship,Assistant and Recording Secretary of the Virginia Fellowship, and Treasurer of the North-East Region. She was Headquarters Administrator for the IAMWMW from 1985-2000 and served on the registration committee from 1978-2000. The IAMWMW recognized her with the “Beloved Sister Achievement Award” in Richmond December 7,2013. When Ashton Clay Reavis was born to her beloved son, Ralph, Jr and his wife, Dorice Morrison Reavis, Marion became a grandmother, and Ashton, the apple of her eye. She enjoyed taking Ashton to IAMWMW conventions. Family memories include the November trips to Massaunutten where wedding anniversaries and Ashton's birthdays were celebrated. Marion was asked how she perseveres through the challenges of cancer, her response,"I thank the Lord each morning when I wake up for one more day." I always have a trip planned which gives me something to look forward to.. Marion, we’re looking forward to the trip, the great reunion. While we journey on, we remember what you taught us. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8 (KJV) Marion leaves to cherish her memory, Reverend Dr. Ralph Reavis, Sr. her husband of 53 years, son, Ralph Reavis, Jr. (Dorice); grandson, Ashton Clay Reavis; sister, Lucy L. Hicks (Richard); brothers, Howard R. Langhorne (Arelia), Charles W. Langhorne (Frances); sister-in-law, Evelyn S. Langhorne (widow of her brother, Thomas O.Langhorne, Jr.); aunt, Genora Langhorne Daniels; brother-in-law, Dr. Carrel Reavis (Joan); sisters-in-law, Jerry Duplechien (Don), Fannie Franklin, Mary Alice Yelverton and Thelma Allen (James); and a host of nieces, nephews,cousins, other relatives, and friends. The family wishes to especially thank Delores Milien, Missouri Shephard, Geraldine H. Vaughn, and Quintina Kinney and all who brought Marion joy on this life’s journey.

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Marion Elizabeth Langhorne Reavis

December 2, 1937 - May 6, 2015