Ruth "Shirley" Reeves

Ruth Shirley Barlow Reeves “Shirley” was called to glory on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Shirley was born the youngest daughter of Ruth (Lovelace) and Lewis J. Barlow on April 1st, 1927, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Shirley attended The Boston Girls’ Latin School, graduating in 1944 at the age of seventeen, and attended Boston University, graduating in 1948.

Shirley married James Holt Reeves, Jr. in 1949. After moving to Los Angeles, California she worked as a social worker for the County of Los Angeles. Years later, while living in Nashville, Tennessee, she returned to school and received her master’s degree in education, counseling, and guidance from Fisk University in 1974 at the age of 47. She joined the faculty of Volunteer State Community College in that same year and served as a counselor in student services until her retirement.

Shirley was blessed by an abundance of kindness and friendship during her long and beautiful journey. She was a devoted, longtime member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents: Lewis J. Barlow and Ruth (Lovelace) Barlow of Boston, Massachusetts, and her sister Constance (Barlow) Shorts of Los Angeles, California.

She is survived by two children: Hilary Reeves Carlin of Marietta, Georgia, and Christopher Reeves (Lisa) of Savannah, Georgia; five grandchildren: James Reeves (Alexsis) of Clarksville, Tennessee, Justin Carlin (Sandra) of Tampa, Florida, Jessica Carlin of Missoula, Montana, Alyssa Carlin of Marietta, Georgia, and Travis Staten of Springfield, Tennessee; and three great-grandchildren: Jasiah Reeves, Isaac Carlin, and Faith DuBose Reeves.

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