Betty J. Reeves

Betty J. Reeves, age 56, went to party with the Lord and her parents Elfreda Reeves (Pegura) and Belton L. Reeves on March 28, 2016. As she left us all with tears in our eyes and broken hearts, she is in the arms of her parents that she loved so very much.

She was survived by her children that are perfect in her eyes (ONLY) Daryl (Dj) Manning, Malinda (Sue) Manning, and Patricia (Trish) Manning. Her Nephew whom is more like her oldest son Scott Reeves, and the "Love of Her Life" and 39 year partner in crime, Daryl Manning Sr. Betty had eight siblings but there was no doubt in the world that her baby brother Lester was her best friend. The love she had for her Grandchildren was unlike anything you could imagine. Jasmine Ehret, Johnny Ehret, Monique Manning, and Janiece Parker were the bright spots of her life. They, like her children, could/can do no wrong.
Betty met the love of her life at a bar. Daryl was the rough biker type and Betty was the gas to his fire. If you ever heard her tell the story, you would have heard her say "We met on Friday, moved in together on Tuesday" 39 years, 4 kids, 4 grandchildren, and many adopted children later, their love was still strong. Though they never married, they were dedicated to each other through every high and low. Towards the end of her life, they FINALLY decided to get married. Heartbreakingly enough, God needed her sooner than we thought.

Betty was always up for anything. Riding on Motorcycles, long road trips, loud music, or raunchy TV… You never knew what to expect. She loved everyone and would always see the best in all that crossed her path. She would go out of her way to help everyone no matter the cost to herself. She was blunt and was famous for dropping a curse word and immediately saying sorry. She stood up for what she thought was right. She had a stubborn streak that would make the toughest person cry uncle. One thing that everyone knows about her is that she loved cigarettes, food, and sleep. In her younger years, she drank Pepsi Soda like there was no other options. She was feisty when she needed to be and the most loving woman most of the time. She could never stand to see an animal or child go hungry. She was protective of her family and would protect them at all cost. If she knew you, she liked you. If she liked you, she loved you. She was simple and unmaterialistic. The only thing that drove her over the edge was the mention of cutting her hair that was long passed her waist. Her hair was her signature look and that's what I think most will remember the most, her long, brown hair. Usually kept in a braid. What those close to her will remember is her love, smile, and weirdly enough her scent. She was a wonderful woman who will always be remembered.

Betty did not want a traditional funeral as her life was anything but traditional. Please join her family for a celebration of her life on April 30,2016 at 3pm. This will be held at the home of Lester Reeves, located at 24 Fonda Street, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Memorials may be directed to her family. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Betty may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.