Nell Jane Reeves

Nell Jane Sosebee Reeves, 93, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2023, in Dallas. She was the only child of William Harvey Sosebee and Gladys Dennis, born in Fort Worth, Texas on August 18, 1929.

She is survived by her four children: Jane Morgan and husband Tim of Dallas; George B. Reeves and wife Vanessa of Dallas; Bill Reeves of Dallas; Marisa Turner and husband Kyle of Rockwall; her seven grandchildren: Emily Morgan Peters and her husband Andrew, David Morgan and his wife Erin, Lane Reeves, Morgan Reeves, Claire Turner Galloway and her husband Zach, Jane Turner, Cade Turner, and eight great grandchildren: Carson, Elizabeth Jane, Hank, Parker, Claire, Liam, Ellie Jane, and Norah Jane.

Nell Jane is predeceased by her parents and two husbands. She married 1st Lt. John Olin Bates, Jr. (J.O.) on February 2, 1952, in Fort Benning, Georgia. Their marriage lasted only a few months as J.O. was killed in action in Korea on June 12, 1952. They had one daughter, Jane. Nell Jane married George Wesley Reeves on June 12, 1954, in Fort Worth. They moved to Arlington, Texas in 1957 and lived there for many years. Nell Jane and George were married 46 years and had three children, George, Bill, and Marisa.

Nell Jane had a happy childhood and excelled at playing the piano and dancing, which she participated in throughout high school. She was a graduate of R.L. Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1946. Nell Jane started her college education at TCU but changed to an all-girls school, Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, from which she graduated in 1950 with a degree in Drama. She was affectionately called “Tex” by her college friends and was a “Sweetheart” for the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at the University of Virginia. After college, she taught school in Maryland, then moved to New York City to pursue a modeling career which included being featured in Seventeen Magazine. While there, she lived at the Barbizon Hotel. Nell Jane went back to TCU and earned her Texas Teacher’s Certificate and another bachelor’s degree in August 1954 while her husband George was attending Baylor Dental College.

Nell Jane was a devoted, supportive wife and a mother who loved her family unconditionally. She was a homemaker, active in the PTA, the Fort Worth District Dental Society Auxiliary, and worked as Business Manager in George’s dental practice. She was an avid bridge player. Nell Jane was a charter member of the Arlington Women’s Club, and a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Arlington where she taught Sunday School.

Nell Jane enjoyed attending plays, concerts, and movies; however, traveling was one of her favorite pastimes. She traveled in the U.S. and all over the world. Her husband accompanied her on several trips as did some of her friends. Traveling with her children and grandchildren was especially fun for her. When she was no longer able to travel, she enjoyed reminiscing about her life experiences including the transatlantic trips she took on the ocean liners SS America, the RMS Queen Mary, and the QE 2.

To all that knew her, Nell Jane was a beautiful person inside and out – vibrant, lively, and fun with a beautiful smile, a distinctive laugh, and memorable southern voice. She loved people and never met a stranger. She was a wonderful, caring person and a good friend to many people. Her family brought her the greatest joy and it was time spent with them that she valued the most. She will be deeply missed by all who know her well.

The family would like to thank the staff at Caruth Haven Court, the Bristol Hospice Team, and all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers for their loving care of Nell Jane during the past few months. Also, we would like to give a special thanks to Elizabeth Ugbeche who lovingly cared for her while she was living at home.

Pallbearers will include David Morgan, Tim Morgan, Cade Turner, Kyle Turner, Tim Reeves, and Lawrence Mendive.

Private interment for family following services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Retina Foundation of the Southwest, 9600 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75231. For donations online, please go to retinafoundation.org/donate/ or the charity of your choice.