Jannis Hazel Reaves was born to the parents of Charlie Edward and Beatrice Berry- Reaves on August 4, 1954, in Ashland, Mississippi. Due to her condition, Jannis was homeschooled. Jannis enjoyed listening to music, singing and in her heart; she loved to dance. Although Jannis didn’t have any children, she was a surrogate mother to all of her nieces and nephews. Derrell, Randy, Roderick, Damon, Darryl, Aaron, Nathaniel, Antonio, Kirkland, Rednar, Eugene, Ronald, Anthony, Michael, Audra, Andrea, Lori, Nancy, Anita, Yolanda, Marilyn, Crystal, Monica, Meondra, Melony, Charlye, Joie, Jennie Mae, Leatrice, Barbara, Lavonzella, Nell, Eunice, and Chris. A larger host of great nieces and great nephews, so numerous that it would be impossible for everyone to be named. She took pride in whatever each individual enjoyed. Jannis knew each individual mentioned above and knew exactly who each child belonged to.
When Jannis was an infant, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone and posture. It is caused by damage to the immature brain. However, Jannis didn’t allow this debilitating disease to afflict her from loving her family passionately.
Jannis confessed her faith in Jesus Christ when she was thirteen. This happened in the confinements of her own home. It was there in her private pavilion that she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and was accepted into the kingdom of God. Upon her death, she was born again into the family and kingdom of God without the burden of Cerebral Palsy. Jannis loved her family and it is well known that her family was the most important people in the world. The endearing love she had for all, especially for those who cared for her; will be remembered forever.
Jannis passed from this earthly life to eternity, Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 5:55 p.m. in the comforts of her home in Ashland, Mississippi. Her devoted caregiver and beloved sister – Rosa Nell Evans was by her side. Jannis was loved dearly by her late parents Charlie and Beatrice Berry Reaves. She was cared for by her siblings: Sarah Jane, Ellie B. LeCarrie, Carol, Rosa Nell, Linda Darlene, James, and William Shawn. Nancy, Queen Esther, Martha Ann, Posey, Innette, Clara Lee, Shelby Jean, Katie, Willie L, L.W., Charlie Jr., John Lewis, Arthur Cleo, and Coleman, (all of whom preceded her in death).
