Laura Scott Reaves

Posted on January 20, 2023

Laura Scott Reaves, 103, the matriarch of the Scott family, (aka Laura Dee or Dee Dee) transitioned on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 in Douglasville, Ga.

She was born in Perry on Nov. 24, 1919.

She was the first-born daughter of 14 children born to Elmo and Indiana Scott, and a lifelong resident of Perry.

In 1941, she married her soulmate, Clark Reaves. From this union, they had one daughter, Gwendolyn Reaves Thorpe. The Lord blessed her with four grandchildren, Waltis, June, Scott and Tova; five great- grandchildren, Kennay, Sacha, Dallas, Scott Jr. and Akirah; and four great-great-grandchildren, Yahzirah, Kaiya, Desire and Solomon.

Later in life she married Anthony Miller, who preceded her in death.

Her education included a degree from Jerkins High School, an Associate of Arts degree in education from Florida Memorial Baptist College and a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Florida A&M University.

In her 70s, she went back to pursue further studies at Tomlinson College (where she resided on campus), majoring in theology.

She also had certifications in early childhood, elementary and adult education.

Her life was dedicated to teaching and the ministry.

In 1940, she began her career as an educator and was a teacher in the Taylor County School System, Dixie County School System, Lafayette County School System, Florida Department of Corrections and chaplain at Tomlinson College.

Her teaching career spanned 42 years until her retirement in 1982.

She was a licensed minister and missionary leader.

At the tender age of 15, she accepted Christ in her life. Her favorite hymnal was “Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.”

For many years she was a very active member of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and, later in life, became a member of the Church of God of Prophecy.

Her Christian appointments were: Sunday School Bible Illustrator, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Director of Youth Department, Deaconess Board President, Bible School Director, Senior Choir President, Junior Choir Senior Advisor and Secretary of the Women’s Department in the Taylor County Union.

She has various awards, honors and achievements: Lafayette Education Association for 17 years of distinguished service, Lafayette Homeroom Mothers Club, 42 years of dedicated service at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and several others.

Her latest life achievement was in January 2020 where she received a proclamation from the Perry City Council and the keys to city.

Anyone who had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Reaves knows she was very old fashioned, especially when it pertained to the appearance of young men and women and how their hair and clothes should be worn.

Her favorite sayings were:

For women, “Why you want to wear that or why do you want to wear your hair like that”?

For men, would you like me to give you some scissors”?

You may not agree with her way of thinking, but you couldn’t help but love her and know that she meant well.

She will be missed as a leader in the community and her passion for educating children and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

She was also the longest and the oldest subscriber of the Taco Times and Perry News Herald. She would read the entire newspaper.

She loved to read because she believed knowledge was power.

She is survived by: her grandchildren, Waltis Gadsden (Frederick), Tova Thorpe, Scotland Thorpe and June Thorpe; her sister, Juanita Scott; sisters-in-law and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Public visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 20, from 5-6 p.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m., at Mount Olive M. B. Church, followed by interment at Springhill Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.