June 3, 1936 – May 19, 2016
God decides when it is best to bring His children home. On Thursday, May 19, 2016, He called our Momma home 16 days before her 80th birthday. Mom was a strong, wise, compassionate and funny woman who loved the Lord and never cared to tell you what she thought! She made life happier for everyone who met her. Mom always put her family first. Thank you God for giving us such an incredible loving Mother.
Mae Ann was a resident of Johnson City, born in Carter County, Tenn., the daughter of the late Charles Henry Taylor and Pearl Gragg Taylor. Mae Ann was a graduate of Happy Valley High School, Class of 1954. She was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Norris Reaves, and two brothers, Robert “Bob” Taylor and Earnest Dale “Budgie” Taylor.
She is survived by her children, Jerry Hyder and special friend Barbara Woodard, Mountain City, Tenn., Bobbie Hyder Shirley and husband Mike Shirley, Johnson City, Tenn., Susan Reaves Golden and husband Michael Golden, Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Angela Reaves Nopo and husband Retired US Army Captain Joseph Nopo, Elizabethtown, Ky.; grandchildren, April Hyder Lonsway, Misty Hyder Lipford, Bradley Hyder, Sarah Shirley, Rachel Shirley Gentry, Abigail Nopo, Daniel Nopo and Emily Golden; great-grandchildren, Roma Lipford, Blake and Chloe Hyder, Cassidy, Makayla, Haylee, Madison, Marie and Tanner Lonsway; two brothers, Gene Taylor and wife Helen, Johnson City, Tenn., and Rev. Ed Taylor, Gatlinburg, Tenn.; and special friends, Margaret Buck Townsend, Linda Bowen and Vickie Clark.
The funeral service for Mrs. Reaves was conducted at 6 p.m. Monday, May 23, at Appalachian Funeral Home with her brother, Rev. Ed Taylor, officiating. The family received friends from 4 until 6 p.m., prior to the service. The graveside committal service was conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, at Monte Vista Memorial Park. A special thank you to the nurses and staff at NHC Nursing Home. Your love and compassion was truly a reflection of God’s love. Memorials/donations may be made to the Johnson City – Washington County Animal Shelter or charity of choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.appfh.net.
Appalachian Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 928-6111, is serving the Reaves family.