Family of Robert James REAVES and Dorothy NELSON

Husband: Robert James REAVES

	Robert James REAVES

Wife: Dorothy NELSON

	Dorothy NELSON

Note on Wife: Dorothy NELSON

Mrs. Dorothy Reaves was born September 8, 1897 in Tonganoxie, Kansas, daughter of Frank and Daisy Nelson. She was educated in Kansas public schools. On February 15, 1915 she married Courtney Thomas Redmond, and had two children; Courtney Thomas Redmond, Jr. and Nelsene Celeste Redmond-Leigh (who died in August 1985). Her husband died March 9, 1922 leaving her with two small child-ren. She married Robert James Reaves August 15, 1929 and lived in Kansas City before moving to Denver because of her health.

Mrs. Reaves was a Christian whose faith and life inspired and nurtured those who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Reaves provided a home which was a haven for many needing a physical sanctuary and spiritual replenishment. Her life was spent in following areas:

CHURCH ACTIVITES: Mrs. Reaves transferred her membership to Zion Baptist Church upon her arrival in Denver (1937). She was a devoted church worker serving in many capacites including: Teacher and later Divisional Superintendent of Children's Work in Sunday School and in Vacation Church School, Missionary Circle Leader, Chairman of the Workers' Conference for eight years, originator and instructor of the Children's Class for the West-ern States Baptist Sunday School and District Association of Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. Elected first President of the Wednesday Morning Prayer Band (interracial and interdenomination-al). Attended and worked actively in National Sunday School and B.T.U. Congress. She received recognition for her work in the State and national Women's Auxiliary of the National Baptist Convention.

CIVIC ACTIVITES: Mrs. Reaves was the first Supervisor of Senior Hostesses of the U.S.O. Center at the Glenarm Branch of the Y.M.C.A. Did volunteer work in the Tuberculosis wards at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital predating service of Gray ladies at the facility. Served as board member on many community groups including mayor's Commission on Human Relations, Urban League and Board of Trustee of Denver Community Chest. She opened her home to servicemen and foreign students.

FEDERATED ACTIVITES: Mrs. Reaves became a member of The Taka Art and Literary Club in 1940, and served in various capacites including President.

George Washington Carver Day Nursery Association, Inc. Mrs. Dorothy Reaves was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1948 and served on various communities. She was elected President

in 1952 and served for 25 years until 1977. During her admini-stration, a new nursery was erected with an adjacent playground at 2270 Humboldt at the cost of $80,000 with a 20-year loan which was paid off in 10 years. An Advisory Board was formed and an annual Dinner was innovated. During her Presidency she was appointed Major to raise funds for the Community Chest in the predominantly Negro Five Points area. With the help of her workers, for the first time the area exceeded its goal. Mrs. Reaves worked in the City Federation, was the Chaplain of the State Federation and served on its Education Committee. She was a life-time member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs.

Mrs. Dorothy Reaves' federated club work stemmed form a promise she made to God when she was a working widow with two small children. She promised God if He would watch over her children, she would be ever mindful of all children. Mrs. Reaves dedicated her life to keeping that promise.

She is survived by her husband, Robert James Reaves and children: Courtney Thomas Redmond, Jr., Edward Walker Reaves, Mayme Lois Reaves-Walker, Nettie Vesta Reaves Love, Marjorie A. Reaves Walker and William H. Reaves; her sisters: Laura Youmans and Edith Jarrett; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many other relatives and dear friends.