Annie Ruth Reeves Mayhall

Annie Ruth Reeves Mayhall, 89, passed away Saturday January 2, 2016. She was born July 7 1926 to the late Claude G. and Jewel Wade Reeves. She was a member of Boonville Baptist Church. Annie Ruth is remembered by her family as a wife and mother interested and involved in all areas of family life. A talented homemaker, she was an inspired cook who always had an extra place at her table. Her special cake, called lemon nut box, was eagerly awaited every holiday season by friends around the country. We were raised in a time when we sat down to supper at the same time every night; we were expected to be there and to take part in discussions ranging from happenings in our day to what Walter Cronkite had talked about on the news. Our mother was born and brought up in Tyler, Texas. She lived a typical farm girl life, but an interesting side item is that her family grew roses. Even though she remembered "budding" roses as hard work, her favorite flower became the yellow rose. Mom met our father in Dallas, where he was stationed with the Navy. During that period, our mom was what is referred to as a "sweater girl" She had a beautiful face and figure. She was a head-turner, as pretty as any pin-up actress. After a three month courtship, our parents were married and eventually moved to Florida, where Wesley attended University of Florida Law School. Theirs was rock-solid union, lasting through four children and sixty-four years. As a couple, they were known in the church and community for their generosity and willingness to extend a helping hand to anyone in need, be it legal counsel or food and shelter.Annie Ruth was a gifted seamstress, making most of her daughters' clothing - for school, proms and party dresses, and eventually, wedding dresses. The hum of her sewing machine could be heard steadily every afternoon, along with strains of episodes of "Guiding Light" or "General Hospital." In addition to sewing, our mother painted landscapes and still-life scenes. These paintings are treasured throughout the family.More than anything else, Annie Ruth loved a family gathering. She took such pride in her children, grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She stayed in touch with her "Texas" family and our father's family as well. When she made a friend, that person was a friend for life, a fact to which the hundreds of greeting cards she received will attest.Our mother was a typical 1950's - 70's mom, accomplished in all the things women were expected to do during that time. To her family and friends, she will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to our lives. Though an ordinary woman, she was extraordinary in many ways.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wesley Waugh Mayhall, Sr., a sister Martha Jane Betts, two brothers Johnny Ray Reeves, Claude Reeves. Surviving are three daughters Marilyn Bennett, Caroline Lunsford Mayhall, and Debra Sheek; a son Wesley W. Mayhall, Jr. grandchildren Jason Bennett, Jared Bennett, David Hart, Annie Hart, Mamrie Hart, Barron Sheek, Wade Sheek, Joshua Sheek, Wesley Mayhall III, Kylie Mayhall; a sister Shirley Westberry; three brothers Bill Reeves, Sid Reeves, Ken Reeves. A private service will be conducted at a later date. The family is grateful to the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and New Horizons Home Care for the loving care given to Mrs. Mayhall. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfunerrlaservice.com. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Mayhall family.