Frances L. Liner Reeves

Frances Louise Liner Reeves was born on August 24, 1950, in Florence, Alabama, to the late Will and Emily Liner, Sr.

She peacefully departed this life on February 27, 2025, in Huntsville, Alabama.

From a young age, Frances embraced her faith and accepted Christ into her life, becoming a devoted member of Greater Saint Paul A.M.E. Church in Florence. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Donte Reeves; parents, Will and Emily Liner, Sr.; four brothers, John Liner, Jimmy F. “Chip” Liner, Will Liner, Jr., and Emmitt “Buddy” Smith; two sisters, Wylodene Martha Shaw and Dorothy Ann Cole; two nieces, Cheryl Ann Cole and Allison M. Cole; four nephews, Rhon Liner, Reginald Liner, Timothy Liner, and Lemorne Cole II; and three, sisters-in-law, Anna Bertha Liner, Wilder Liner, and Georgia Liner; brother-in-law, Lemorne Cole, Sr.; mother; and father-in-law, Adell and Dewey Reeves of Dothan, Alabama.

Frances was a dedicated scholar, graduating from Burrell Slater High School in 1968. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Daniel Payne College in Birmingham, Alabama. Her pursuit of excellence led her to Eastern Michigan University, where she earned both a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and education administration. She was just six credit hours away from completing her doctorate in educational leadership.

Her passion for education shined throughout her 41- year career with Jackson Public Schools in Jackson, Michigan, beginning in 1972. She retired in 2013, leaving a legacy as a devoted educator, the district’s first African American Director of early childhood education, and the first African American Female Grade Level Middle School Principal at Parkside Junior High School. She was deeply committed to ensuring every child had access to quality education in a safe, nurturing environment. Understanding the importance of collaboration between schools, families, and the community, she successfully secured over three million dollars in grants to provide essential resources for students.

Frances was an esteemed member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Tau Omega Chapter in East Lansing, Michigan. She was also a Life Member of the NAACP and an active member of the School Administrators Union. Her dedication was recognized with numerous awards, including Jackson Public Schools’ Administrator of the Year.

Frances leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: her devoted husband of 53 years, Donnie Reeves; daughter, Donika Reeves-Scott of Huntsville, Alabama; beloved grandchildren, Miles R. Davis and Clarke J. Scott; brothers, Charles (Ruth) Liner of Jacksonville, Florida, and Larry Liner of Atlanta, Georgia; sister, Mary Faye Stoner of Virginia Beach, Virginia; brother-in-law, James E. Shaw; special relatives, Aunt Mary Frances Reeves and Uncle Harvey Reeves of Headland, Alabama, Jimmy R. Reeves of Ozark, Alabama, and Johnnie Mae Reeves of Atlanta, Georgia

Affectionately known as “Aunt Frances,” she held a special place in her heart for her nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear family friends. She especially cherished the lifelong connections she built with her close-knit community on Woodland Road.

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