Mary Louise Keeler Reeves

1927 - 2025

Age 98

Savannah, Georgia

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Reeves, age 98, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on September 19, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia. Born on August 16, 1927, in Barnard, South Dakota, she lived a life marked by adventure, service, and joy.

Mary Lou was the daughter of Edgar Lawrence and Mary Wade Keeler and grew up alongside her beloved sisters Connie Podoll (Erling) and Ruth Ann Weaver (James). From her early years on the plains of South Dakota to her vibrant life in Savannah, Mary Lou embraced every chapter with enthusiasm and grace.

Her professional journey was as dynamic as her spirit. She began her career as a flight attendant for American Airlines during the golden age of air travel—a fitting start for someone with such an adventurous heart. She also worked in telecommunications before dedicating herself to community service and historical preservation. As a tour guide for the Historic Savannah Foundation, she shared her love of the city’s rich heritage with countless visitors. Her commitment to service extended further through her volunteer work at the St. Thomas Thrift Shop and leadership roles in the Fresh Air Home and the Bethesda Home for Boys.

Mary Lou was a devoted member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where she sang in the choir and found deep fulfillment in both worship and fellowship.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Joseph Lane Reeves Jr. They shared a remarkable life filled with travel, laughter, and adventure. Together they were an inseparable team, whether crewing sailboats or participating in sailplane races. Mary Lou’s zest for life was evident not only in these daring pursuits but also in quieter moments spent gardening or creating stained glass art.

She leaves behind three children: Janice Reeves Childs; Susan Keeler Reeves; and Joseph Lane Reeves III (Allison). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Waverly Reeves Rood (Wesley), Joseph Lane Reeves IV, Kelsey Childs Cournoyer (Kieran), Matthew Lee Childs, and great-grandchildren: Lawson Fraser Rood and Ivy Louise Rood. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Martha Reeves Rudd and Bea Reeves Kissel as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Edgar and Mary Keeler, her sisters Connie Podoll (Erling) and Ruth Ann Weaver (James), her brothers-in-law Orrin Kenneth Rudd Jr. and James E. Kissel, and her son-in-law Warren Custer Childs III.

Mary Lou’s hobbies reflected her boundless energy and creativity. She painted watercolors with delicate precision, played golf and tennis with competitive flair, hiked mountain trails with ease, sailed open waters fearlessly, and even reeled in victory at a fishing tournament. She ran 5ks and famously finished first in one race. Okay, she actually finished second but would have won if she had not lied about her age, saying she was younger than she really was. One of her proudest athletic feats came in 1997 when she scored a hole-in-one on the seventh hole at Highlands Falls Country Club - a moment that captured both her skill and spirit.

Those who knew Mary Lou remember her as loving, courageous, fun-loving, and endlessly adventurous. Her warmth touched many lives across generations and communities.

A private memorial service celebrating Mary Lou’s life will be held at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah on September 29, 2025.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to all who hear her story