Jerlean Murph Reavis

Robert James “R.J.” Reavis, 83 and Jerlean Murph Reavis, 81 of Salisbury passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Mrs. Reavis was born July 17, 1935 in Woodleaf, she was the daughter of the late Paul H. “Jake” Murph and Lois McDaniel Murph. She was educated at Woodleaf school and a graduate from Appalachian State University and received her Master in Library Science from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Mrs. Reavis was a teacher and librarian in the Kannapolis City schools, Rowan County schools, Cooleemee and Davie County schools before retiring after 35 years of service. Mr. Reavis was born December 17, 1933 in Faith, he was the son of the late Charles Baxter Reavis and Lula Castor Sifford Reavis. He was educated in the Faith schools, and was a veteran of the US Army. Mr. Reavis was a long time barber and was employed for Hoechst Celanese before retiring. They were members of Franklin Baptist Church where she served as pianist for 14 years. Mrs. Reavis was a member of the Adult Women’s Sunday School Class and was a Sunday School teacher. Mr. Reavis was a former Deacon and was a member of the Auditorium Sunday School Class. In addition to Mr. Reavis’s parents, he was preceded in death by his step-brothers, Walter “Bud” Sifford and R.C. “Nook” Sifford. Those left to cherish their memory are their son, Steven D. Reavis of Salisbury; step-sister-in-law, Bernita Sifford Abernathy of Faith; step nephews, Roy Sifford and Dennis Sifford and their pet dachshund, Ginger. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Tuesday (Jan. 10) at Summersett Funeral Home. A double funeral service will be conducted 11 AM – Wednesday (Jan. 11) at Franklin Baptist Church with the Rev. Joe Thomas, minister and Pastor Alan Hutchens, minister of Christ Church, Lexington. Mr. and Mrs. Reavis will lie in state 30 minutes before the service. Interment will follow at Rowan Memorial Park with Military Graveside Rites for Mr. Reavis conducted by the NC National Guard and the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to Franklin Baptist Church, 3810 Hwy 601, Salisbury, NC 28144 or Nazareth Children’s Home, PO Box 1438, Rockwell, NC 28138. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Reavis family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com

Jerlean Murph Reavis

July 17, 1935 - January 3, 2017