Joan Woodall Reaves

July 21, 1946 - February 9, 2021

It is with great sorrow that we share Joan Woodall Reaves passed away on February 9, 2021 in Richmond, Virginia. Joan showed incredible strength and perseverance over the 23 years since the car accident that left her a partial quadriplegic. Joan was born on July 21, 1946 in Gladys, VA. Joan was a devoted daughter to Irene and Bill Woodall and a caring older sister to Shirley Roark and Jeanette "Jay" Woodall. Joan was a loyal wife of 48 years to Dudley and loving mother to Wesley and Jennie. Joan loved her extended family including her brothers- and sisters-in-law (Steve and Claudia Jones; Ann and Richard Berger), her 8 nieces and nephews, 13 great nieces and nephews, and a slew of "Burton" cousins. Joan cherished time with her family, always enjoyed a variety of craft projects especially those featuring buttons, was an avid and voracious reader, wore the chunkiest jewelry she could find, loved shopping, had an extensive collection of Santa's, disregarded the safety of small children, animals, and clothing racks while driving her wheelchair, adored celebrating Christmas, watched every iteration of Law and Order ever created, as well as a appreciated a medium rare steak with a loaded baked potato. Joan was a resident of Tree of Life Services, Inc., a group home for adults with acquired brain injuries. The level of care and amazing services provided by TOL helped Joan live her life to the fullest. Our family is forever grateful to the doctors, therapists, staff, and families of fellow residents that have cared for her over the past 20+ years. Joan spent her professional career working for the Virginia Department of Health where she championed the Virginia WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program to improve the health of pregnant women, infants and children (under 5 years) through better nutrition and access to health care. She was admired by her co-workers and close friends. There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Mountain Ridge Venue in Rustburg, VA. Please observe the pandemic requirements of mask wearing and social distancing during this event. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Tree of Life's Patient Fund. The Patient Fund at TOL provides support to residents in need of specific items or equipment that they may not be able to afford. This is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. Checks may be written to Tree of Life. Please add "For Patient Fund" in the memo section. Checks may be mailed to Tree of Life, 3721 Westerre Parkway, Suite B, Richmond, VA, 23233 or given to Joan's family at her Celebration of Life.