Lettie Elizabeth Reaves

Lettie Elizabeth Reaves, gained her wings on May 17, 2025, at the age of 89 years old. Born August 20, 1935, in Baltimore Maryland to the late Jerome and Bernice B. Gaskins. She was the youngest of two children, her oldest brother George D. Barnes who precedes her in death. Lettie was a beacon of light, illuminating the lives of those around her. Lettie pursued knowledge with unwavering passion. She received her education in the Baltimore City School System attending Dunbar Junior-Senior High School. She later graduated from Bowie State Teachers College, earning a degree in Elementary Education. Lettie further her education by doing a dual program with The American Red Cross and Maryland Committee for Children Inc. Her thirst for learning extended beyond textbooks. She loved learning but took a pause to marry the love of her life, the late Don F Reaves. Following schooling Lettie explored childcare and teaching leaving no stone unturned by obtaining employment with Johns Hopkins Hospital Day Nursery for 16 years. Lettie was later employed with Fells Point Child Care Center and Freedom Children’s Day Care. Kindness flowed through Lettie's veins. so much that she wanted to share with children who needed her love and attention by becoming a foster mom. Her passion caused her to love each and every child the same that came into her home and leave an impact on their lives. So much so she wanted to start her own family by becoming a permeant mom to Shantrice and Tyesha. She devoted her time and love to her girls that meant everything to her. Lettie enjoyed eating, spending time with family and friends, and most importantly she enjoyed church. She was a lifelong member of Memorial Baptist Church and traveling buddy to wherever her son-in-love Rev. Brandon Montague would preach until she couldn’t anymore. Although her memory got the best of her at times, she never forgot how to give God the glory. For years she volunteered at Memorial Baptist Church as a nursery teacher, children’s Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school, and camp advisor alongside her best friend Minister Ester Brown. Lettie's smile was infectious, and her empathy touched everyone she met. Lettie loved to cook and serve. Her love spilled over where she severed several years until she couldn’t anymore as a Pastor’s Stewart and The Missionary Society. Her famous dishes was seafood salad and chitlins. Lettie had dreams of changing the world with her helping hands and love. Lettie leaves to cherish in memory: her daughter Shantrice Montague (Brandon), daughter Tyesha Reaves, grandchildren, A’Launa and Braylin Montague, a host of nieces, nephews, other family relatives and friends.

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Lettie Elizabeth Reaves

August 20, 1935 - May 17, 2025