Doris J Bailey-Reavis Obituary (1927 - 2021)

On February 5, 2021, Doris J. Bailey-Reavis of Port Chester, New York, transitioned from physical presence to memory. Doris and her twin brother, Clifford J. (deceased) were born to Robert L. and Alice M. (Randall) Jones on May 16, 1927 at United Hospital in Port Chester. Her formative years spent in a household with three brothers, (including Robert L. and Edward R. both deceased), often left her feeling isolated. For the Westmore News in 2017, Doris described herself as, "a lonesome child." Comparatively, much has been written about her adult life as an outgoing, fully engaged social activist who gave selflessly to organizations and causes. She will be remembered for her valued leadership in the Port Chester/Rye NAACP, the Alumni Association of Immanuel Lutheran College, North Carolina, First Lutheran Church Greenwich, Connecticut, and the Port Chester Carver Center, to name a few. She too was a nurturer, not only of her daughter Alethia Joy (deceased), but her care giving spirit extended to three foster children and many others who benefited from her attention, counsel and support. Among them is her niece, Doris E. Mims, fond of her unconditional love, her sharing of life lessons and teaching of practical skills, such as the art and importance of handwritten correspondence. The elder Doris' examples were always penned on her signature robin's-egg blue, monogrammed, embossed stationary. Doris loved life and was not afraid to live it fully. Her marriage to John W. Reavis Jr. in 1997 (deceased), afforded her companionship for travel and adventures and extended family to cherish. Whether to ski slopes across the Atlantic Ocean, weddings and graduations over the Continental United States, summers in Martha's Vineyard or winters in Vermont, Doris was not inclined to "stand still and watch grass grow under her feet." As a woman of strong faith she accepted the gift of longevity, taking time to "smell the roses," to place African Violets on her windowsill, impatiens on the terrace and marvel at Rose of Sharon along the road. She enjoyed the company of friends and family over a good meal, never omitting dessert, especially if it included chocolate. Her absence leaves a void in the hearts of life-long friends who loved her. Walks on the beach remained essential to her daily routine until her unexpected passing. Doris is survived by her sisters, Ada M. (Morris) Foster of Culpeper, Virginia and Alice M. Henry of Yonkers, New York.