Alvenia was born on February 8, 1931, to Marie Olle Shaw and Thomas Henry Jackson in Detroit, Michigan. She was the second of five children, three sisters and a brother; Arletta (preceded in death), Jacqueline (Jackie), Marie (Tootie)(preceded her in death), and Mell (preceded her in death). Alvenia attended Higginbottham ES, Post Junior High and Cooley HS in Detroit, Michigan. She also attended college. Alvenia accepted Christ at an early age. She attended New Prospect Baptist Church on Wisconsin St, Detroit, Michigan, where she was baptized and sang in the choir. Alvenia’s first job was at SS Kresge Retail Store. She worked as the head cook at their lunch counter. While working there, she introduced her Stuffed Cabbage recipe to the store. While working at this store, she met and married Donald Christian Reeves Sr (preceded her in death). From that union there were four children born; Donald C. Reeves Jr (preceded her in death), Gary R. Reeves (preceded her in death), Sharon P. Reeves (Pindle) and Randy Reeves (preceded her in death).
Alvenia loved singing and cooking. She was always singing while she was cooking. She also loved to travel and shop, especially on QVC.
Alvenia worked for Detroit Edison Electric Company as a Supervisor and Head Certified Chef of the Food Department, until she retired.
Later in life she changed membership to People Community Church in Detroit, Michigan where she was one of the lead soloists in the choir. She raised her children and ensured that they received the teachings needed to begin an everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ. She attended this church until she moved to South Carolina.
Alvenia moved to Woodbridge Virginia in 2008 with her daughter Sharon. She attended and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, Woodbridge where she was part of the Golden Eagles Noon Day Fellowship. She attended the noon day fellowship until her dialysis treatments were schedule during that time. She sang in the Ethel Chinn Senior Choir. She loved to sing the Lord’s praises. She was truly blessed with an angelic voice.
Alvenia was a strong woman. She was caring, loving, sweet and an exceptional mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend.
The Lord blessed Alvenia with her well earned “Wings” on Thursday, December17, 2020 at 3:33am.
Alvenia leaves to cherish her memories; her sister Jackie Hall, brother-in-law Wilson Hall, her daughter Sharon Pindle, twelve grandchildren; Michael, Kevin, Reginald, Ramone, Gary, Lawanda, Jeremy, Shaynon, Alfred (Freddy), Rondonia (Nia), Khrystina and Richard (Ricky), a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, best friend Ma Drake and friends.
