Barbara Cox Reeves, 1926-2022

Barbara Cox Reeves passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022.

She was born on July 9, 1926 in Homerville, Georgia to Sherman and Clayra Nesbit Cox. The family moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1936. Barbara graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Stetson University in Deland, Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and from the University of Florida with a master's degree.

In 1948, Barbara married Walter L. Reeves. They lived in Jacksonville where Barbara taught in an elementary and junior high school for twelve years. In 1965, Barbara and her husband relocated to Polk County. In 1966, the Reeves' built a house on Starr Lake in Florida.

Barbara taught English at Denison Junior High in Winter Haven for six years and then for three years at Lake Wales Junior High. In 1974, she was appointed the Assistant Principal for curriculum at Lake Wales Junior High School and in 1980, was named principal. Barbara retired in December of 1983.

Since her retirement, Barbara has volunteered at Lake Wales Hospital, Lake Wales Public Library, and the First United Methodist Church. Barbara has been a lifelong Methodist.

Barbara was formerly active in Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women's Educators and the American Association of University Women.

Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Walter, her husband of 44 years, her sisters Sally Zolezzi and Irma Long, and her brother John Cox.

She is survived by her son, William Reeves (Marsha), and her granddaughter, Amanda Reeves, as well as two nieces and four nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise (fumch.org), The Lake Wales Care Center (lakewalescarecenter.com), or the Sheriff's Youth Ranches (youthranches.org).