Reverend Dr. Hallie Lawson Reeves

Obituary For Reverend Dr. Hallie Lawson Reeves

The Reverend Dr. Hallie Lawson Reeves, a woman of boundless wisdom, resilience, and faith, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Durham, North Carolina, to Bishop Andrew William Lawson Sr. and Gracie Owens Lawson, she was one of four children, growing up alongside her older sister, Gladys Snowden; her younger brother, Andrew William Lawson Jr.; and her youngest sister, Martha Wanda Lawson DeBerry.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bishop Andrew William Lawson Sr; her mother, Mrs. Gracie Owens Lawson; her older sister, Gladys Snowden; and her younger brother, Andrew (Peter) Lawson Jr.

Dr. Reeves' formative years were shaped by a relentless pursuit of excellence, whether in her academic studies, deep involvement in church activities, or passion for music. Music was the heartbeat of her life. She began working as a private piano teacher at the age of 18. She served as the Church Musician and Director of Church Activities at her father’s church, Fisher Memorial United Holy Church, in Durham, North Carolina. In this role, she also directed the children’s choir, which she named 'The Buds of Promise. As a teacher in the Durham public school system, she shaped the musical journeys of countless children, dedicating long hours to instilling both technical skills and a love for the art of music. The musical foundation she established in Durham continues to thrive, as many of her former students have gone on to pursue careers in music, ministry, or both, carrying her legacy of excellence and devotion forward. She graduated from Hillside High School in Durham in 1953 and earned her degree in music from North Carolina Central University in 1958. In 1961, she married William Alphonzo Reeves, and to that union they were blessed with two daughters, Rona and Princess.

After expressing a strong desire to devote her life to Christian service and follow in the footsteps of her father, Dr. Reeves enrolled at Duke University’s School of Divinity in September 1975 and completed her studies there in September 1978.

In 1979, she left Durham, North Carolina, for Washington, D.C., where she remained until her passing. She embarked on a distinguished career as a chaplain, beginning her residency at Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C., and later serving as Director of Chaplaincy Services at Provident Hospital in Baltimore. In 1983, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the National Theological Seminary.

In fulfillment of the United Methodist requirements for ordination, she enrolled in the United Methodist History and Doctrine program at Wesley Theological Seminary in January 1989. She was later ordained as an Elder by the Baltimore Conference of the United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Reeves made history as the fourth African American woman in the country to be certified as a Supervisor by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). Over the span of two decades, she served as Administrative Staff Chaplain and ACPE Supervisor at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, mentoring over 1,200 students—many of whom went on to establish ACPE centers worldwide, from Nigeria to Korea, and Guam to Alaska. Her influence as a mentor and educator extended across generations and continents, ensuring that her passion for chaplaincy and spiritual guidance would continue shaping lives long after her tenure.

In 1994, her love for music never wavered, and she reopened her private music studio in Waldorf, Maryland. She took great pride in enrolling her students in the National Piano Teachers Guild, offering them opportunities to showcase their talents and grow as musicians.

In 2005, she was called to serve as the pastor of two churches in Dunkirk, Maryland, while also working as a Chaplain Supervisor at Washington Hospital Center.

In 2008, she was recognized at the Racial Ethnic Multicultural (REM) Network Conference for her pioneering role in ACPE. Among her many honors, she was inducted into the Preacher’s Hall of Fame in 2021 in recognition of her decades of dedicated ministry.

Dr. Reeves' impact is immeasurable. She was, and will forever remain, a guiding light—a woman whose presence transformed lives, whose wisdom shaped future generations, and whose legacy will continue to inspire all those who were blessed to stand in her presence. She overcame numerous obstacles of racism, sexism, and other negative stereotypes to fulfill the call God placed on her life, living with purpose and meaning. Her life was a symphony of service, learning, laughter, and unwavering faith—one that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, Rona Reeves Tankard (Perry) and Princes Reeves (Joseph); her sister, Wanda Lawson DeBerry; and ten cherished grandchildren, along with twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Dr. Hallie Lawson Reeves:

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Providence Fort United Methodist Church Fort Washington Rd., Fort Washington, Maryland

Viewing: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM

Monday, March 24, 2025

Peace Missionary Baptist Church Durham, NC Viewing: 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Memorial Service: 12:00 Noon

Interment at Beechwood Cemetery to follow

3300 Fayetteville Street Durham, NC 27707

Condolences can be sent to: Bishop Rona Tankard P.O. Box 13265 Durham, NC 27709

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