Martha Frances Reavis

Mrs. Martha Frances Winchester Reavis, 69, of Statesville, passed away, Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the Gordon Hospice House. Mrs. Reavis was born August 28, 1946 in Pickens, SC and was the daughter of the late Benjamin Tillman Winchester and Bertie Collins Winchester. She was a graduate of Pickens High School, attended N. Greenville Jr. College and graduated from Winthrop College with a degree in Business Education. On July 27, 1969, she was married to Robert Michael "Mickey" Reavis, who survives of the home. Mrs. Reavis taught public school in South Carolina, was a pre-school teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville for over 25 years and worked at the Iredell County Library for a number of years. She loved children, was a fantastic parent and enjoyed gardening. She also loved to keep up with all of her pre-school students and their families. In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Ryan Michael Reavis and partner Emily Mista of Garner, NC; one daughter, Marissa R. Mapes (Russell) of Houston, TX, two granddaughters, Hazel Reavis, Madelyn Mapes, one grandson, Max Mapes; seven sisters, Leona Crowther,, Christine Kearney, Mary Hull, Esther Kelley, Ruth Hinkle, Jamie Sorrells, Myrtie Cochran; two brothers, Ben Winchester, Valley Winchester and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, David Winchester, D.S. Winchester, Hubert Winchester and two sisters, Evelyn Breazeale and Lib Howe. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Michael Gehring officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will visit with friends 1:00-2:00 p.m. Wednesday before the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625; Broad Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 169, Statesville, NC 28687 or to the Pre-School Program at First Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Meeting St. Statesville, NC 28677. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com The family would like to thank Dr. Ruby Grimm and Staff, the 4th Floor Staff at Iredell Memorial Hospital and all the Doctors and staff at the Gordon Hospice House for their love and care of Mrs. Reavis. Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Martha Reavis.