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Obituary For Gwendolyn M. Neal-Reeves
Mrs. Gwendolyn Neal-Reeves, 48, of Phenix City, AL passed on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in Birmingham, AL.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. EST, Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Gregory McLeod, Pastor, officiating with Rev. Christopher Reeves, Eulogist. Interment to follow in Lakeview Memory Gardens, Phenix City, AL. Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2026 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. EST at Taylor Funeral Home.
Gwendolyn Melanie Neal-Reeves was born on July 3, 1978, in Ozark, Alabama, to the late Monroe and Linda Neal. She received her early education in the Ozark City School System and graduated from Carroll High School in 1996. She continued her education at the Wallace Community College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing, and later received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Ashford University.
At an early age, Gwen accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and became an active member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ozark, Alabama. It was there that she built a strong spiritual foundation and faithfully served in numerous ministries and organizations. She served as Secretary of the Young People's Division of the Women's Missionary Society; as Chair of the Lila Burnett Society of the Northwest Alabama Annual Conference; and in many other different capacities in the church.
Gwendolyn devoted more than 25 years of her life to the nursing profession. Throughout her distinguished career, she served with compassion and excellence at Flowers Hospital, Summit Hospital, Caring for Kids, Columbus Specialty Hospital, Amedisys Home Health, North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, Alabama, and her most recent employer, Russell County Board of Education as a School Nurse for Russell Middle School. She cared for every patient with genuine love, exceptional professionalism, and words of encouragement that brought comfort to countless lives.
Her servant's heart extended far beyond the jobs. Gwen was deeply committed to her community and dedicated herself to making a difference wherever she served. She was a dance coach at Russell County High School and faithfully supported numerous civic and community organizations. At the time of her passing she was an Executive Board Member of Focus Initiative, a member of the Junior League, and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She also faithfully served as a member of the Women's Missionary Society and the Pastor's Spouses Organization of the Northeast Alabama Annual Conference. As the wife of a pastor, Gwen wholeheartedly embraced every appointment, serving diligently alongside her husband and leaving a lasting legacy of love, compassion, encouragement, and faithful service in every church they were blessed to serve.
Although her earthly journey has ended, the impact of her life an legacy will continue through all who were blessed to know and love her.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband of 21 years, Rev. Christopher Reeves; three beloved sons, Christian, Landyn, and Aaden Reeves; four sisters, Smithie (James) Mitchell, Delois Murray, Shelia (Clarence) Hunter, and Elanor Martinez; two brothers, Monroe (Stacy) Neal, III., and Dwight Anderson; her mother-in-law, Gloria Moore; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Woods; and Sandra (Victor) Berry; one brother-in-law, Angelo (Danielle) Reeves, two aunts, Rosa Lee Edwards and Nell Warren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
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Tonya Beck sent Red and White Handled Basket for Gwendolyn M. Neal-Reeves - July 16, 2026
Rosonda Sterling sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Gwendolyn M. Neal-Reeves - July 15, 2026
William love sent Red and White Handled Basket for Gwendolyn M. Neal-Reeves - July 13, 2026
The Grace Family planted 1 trees in memory of Gwendolyn M. Neal-Reeves . - July 11, 2026
Samuel Grace sent Beautiful Dreams for Gwendolyn M. Neal-Reeves - July 11, 2026
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My very deepest condolences praying for comfort
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Sending comfort and Love to the family From Donzle & Anna Smalls
To Rev. Reeves, the sons, siblings, and other relatives, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God will keep and sustain you in the days ahead. Gwen was a jewel all of her life and she will be missed. We, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Ozark, AL are also praying for God to give you strength to go on in His name.
Rev. Chris, Christian, Landyn, and Aeden, Sis. Gwen was a true to herself and others. As she gave her best in life, career, church, and family, her warm smile seemed always present. You know she loved you. Bishop Seawright and I are praying for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and friends during this time of bereavement. 🙏🙏🙏 Earl Lowman, Jacksonville Florida
My Family is heartbroken over this loss. Mrs. Reeves was the sweetest person and we will always remember her smile and gentleness. Pastor Reeves and boys, She will always be "Our First Lady"" TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!! SINCERELY William and Tonya Beck, Faye Beck and Tevin
St. Paul AME Church extends its deepest sympathy to the Reeves family in the passing of Sister Gwendolyn Neal Reeves. We honor her life of faith, grace, and quiet strength, and we give thanks for the lasting impact she made within our church and community. May the peace of God uphold you; may His love surround you, and may His promises sustain you in the days ahead. Please know that our church family stands with you in prayer, in support, and in unwavering compassion. The St Paul AME Church Family, Hurtsboro, Al.
Dear Cousin Chris,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved wife, Gwen. Words cannot fully express how sorry I am for your loss.
I pray that God will surround you and the family with His peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time. May you find solace in His unfailing love and in the many cherished memories you shared together.
Her life was a blessing to all who knew her, and her legacy of love and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of many.
With love, prayers, and deepest sympathy,
Your Cousin, Crystal Penn
Praying for comfort and strength for the entire family. Gwen will truly be missed. I "thank God" for memories of the Reeves family and for their work in the Lila Barnett Area. "Family Forever" we love you.💙🤍💙
Lord please give her husband and 3 son peace n comfort in the days and night. I will miss my friend take your rest my dear friend. Love Penny Ingram Cooper from Florence, Alabama.
My prayers are with her husband and 3 son. I am going to miss my friend Penny Ingram Cooper. God please give them comfort and the coming days and night.
To Chris and sons, her sisters and brothers and all her family and friends, I send my love, condolences, and prayers for strength and comfort. May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you peace as only He can. Baby Girl gave her best to everyone. I can see that beautiful smile now. She always started smiling before I could get close enough for a hug. Her light shined so brightly. She was my inspiration on so many levels, her faith, her servant's heart, her patience, her business acumen, her decorating ideas, and her drive and determination and more! She had a heart of pure gold, always giving and expecting nothing in return. I will always love and miss her! Her legacy will live on in her family and each of us who were blessed to know her. Baby Girl, well done good and faith servant, now take your rest until we meet again on that other shore! Love you. Rev. 21:4
Rev. Reeves and Family, I know there are no words to ease your pain, but please know we are thinking of you.
My deepest sympathy to the family. She was a beautiful woman and coworker. Most of all a great mother and wife.
Prayers & Condolences to the Family. May you find Comfort and Strength from a loving God and from Families & Friends. Love You💐❤️💐
To Pastor Reeves and family, friends. Heartfelt ❤️ condolences to you and your family. We are ( The Salem Chapel A.M.E. Church family ) will certainly miss Sister Queen, We fill your loss. May God be with you and your family during your time of your dear loss of your wife ........ Darlean Graham
My condolences to the entire family, during this difficult time.
LaShawn Thomas
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You have my heartfelt condolences. Praying the Lord comforts and keep the family during this difficult time 🕊️
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers for the family.
May you rest in peace. Love always & forever Gwen.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family.
You will truly be missed!!
My condolences and prayers to you Rev. Reeves, children, family and friends. Rest well beautiful lady. We love you all, Brittany, Kharsyn, Kaislee and Tatum.
Sending my deepest condolences out to the Reeves and Neal family, I send my love and strength and prayers to her husband and sons,sisters, and brother, nieces and nephews, and all the family,
My deepest condolences to her husband, her sons, her sisters, her brother, and other family members. She was a very sweet person and always had a smile on her face. She will truly be missed. My continued prayers for the family.
I extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. I will remember her for her sweet spirit, genuine kindness, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her love for all things beautiful reflected the grace and joy she brought into the lives of others. She was truly a wonderful lady whose compassion, gentle heart, and beautiful presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished.
My sincere condolences to Pastor Reeves and his family. May the Lord provide you and your family with the strength needed during your hour of bereavement 🙏🏿
My love of compassion and strength is released to Pastor Chris, their sons and family on the transition of the sweet Gwen. She was always a delight and joy every time I saw her; always had a smile and a warm hug. May God continue to keep you and strengthen you all. Trina
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.