Susan Celeste Cox Reeves

Susan Celeste Cox Reeves of Midland went to her forever Home on April 5, 2017 in the arms of her dear husband. The Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 10, 2:00 P.M at Crestview Baptist Church, Midland, officiated by Dr. John Gerlach, Dr. Larry Ashlock and her son Marshall Reeves and son in law Zach Schroeder. Left to continue her legacy include her loving husband, Wesley Reeves, daughter and son in law, Melissia and Josh Hoke and grandsons Bass and Strummer, daughter and son in law, Weslee and Zach Schroeder and granddaughters Shiloh, Zela and Ezra, and son and daughter in law Marshall and Breanna Reeves, her brother and sister in law Robert “Bob” and Peggy Cox, and numerous nieces, nephews and country cousins.Susan was born March 23, 1951 in Pearsall, Texas to Leslie Arthur Cox and Veda Effie Outlaw Cox. She graduated from the University of Corpus Christi with a bachelors degree in education and began teaching special education.God broke the mold when He made Susan Reeves. A woman of fierce determination, unwavering faith mixed with a lot of southern class and sass, she was an inspiration to anyone who met or even heard of her. She never let any diagnose or circumstance define her but let Christ mold and shape her life and direction. She left her mark on all those who knew her and not just on the toes of those she ran over with her wheelchair. At 15 months, she was diagnosed with polio just months before the vaccine became public. In fact, she was one of the last people in America to be diagnosed with the crippling disease, which attacked the muscles in her legs. Her parents made the hard decision to send her to Polio Camp in Hot Springs, Arkansas where nurses worked with her to her to walk and deal with her new life. Susan always said her mom was tough as nails and never allowed her to make excuses or say she “can’t” do something. That one decision from her mom shaped her into the strong and determined woman that she needed to be to walk through obstacles she would face throughout her life. She never felt sorry for herself but looked at every trial as an opportunity to conquer something new.She grew up as a country girl who just happened to wear braces and use crutches to walk. From kickball to jump rope, she did it all. She was even known to ride livestock bareback a time or two. Her childhood is full of memories from her God fearing aunts to her crazy country cousins and all the mischief that they got into.She gradated from the University of Corpus Christi with a bachelors degree in education and went right into the classroom to teach special education. Susan used her strong mindset to teach those with special needs that they could and would do more than anyone dreamed for them.She met a tall, longhaired “hippie boy,” Wes Reeves, who became the love of her life while working in Waco, Texas. The two of them created an unbreakable team that would celebrate their 40th anniversary this November. The teamwork and love these two had for each other is one that is as unique as it is beautiful. They raised their three children in Midland where they made life long friends who felt more like family.Serving others was the way that Susan so beautifully communicated not only her love, but also Christ’s love for others. Through years of teaching and mentoring in the youth at her church, leading countless women’s bible study groups, and coordinating and serving at retreats and church events. She loved completing tasks, from the smallest to the biggest. One of her mottos was never put off tomorrow what you can do today. It was her joy to prepare dinner everyday for her family, and she was famous for her homemade bread that was as therapeutic as it was delicious. From the time her feet hit the floor in the morning until the time she laid her head at night, she was intentional with every moment of her day.She also loved helping people accentuate their natural beauty through makeup at Merle Norman. She always said, “If the barn needs painting, paint the barn,” meaning, put your makeup on to look and be your best self every day. She truly looked at every day as a gift, even more so after her multiple cancer diagnoses. No one has ever fought harder or looked so strong through all the chemo, radiation, surgeries and stem cell transplant. She did it all for more time with her family, whom she cherished above anything. She knew that family truly is the most beautiful and amazing blessing from the Lord. She frequently proclaimed that “God is good, all the time,” even said those words looking in on some of the scariest battles a person can face. She knew where her ultimate home was and her goal was to share Jesus until He called her home.Susan’s life verse was 2 Corinthians 12:9; “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” She was able to use her battles as a mission field for others to tell of Christ’s power and love. Susan said when she was Home and completely healed, she was going to wear red stilettos, run and run and run on those streets of gold, and sing! We find peace in her faith.The family suggests memorials be donated in Susan’s honor to the Susan Reeves Hope Reigns Chemo Room Fund at Midland Memorial Hospital Foundation. (432-221-1569),