Anna Novella (Lawson) Davis-Reeves

Mrs. Anna Novella Lawson Davis-Reeves, lived a remarkable life spanning nearly a century, from her beginnings as the eldest of ten children of Gaither and Louise Lawson in Depression-era Virginia to becoming the beloved matriarch of a thriving family.

At just 16, she graduated high school. By 20, she'd earned her college degree from North Carolina College for Negroes (now NC Central University). That education took her to Washington, DC, and eventually to Elizabeth City State Teachers College, where she met the love of her life, Dr. George L. Davis.

George and Novella built a beautiful life together in Nashville, Tennessee raising two children (George Jr. and Vernessa) while Novella spent over 25 years inspiring students as a librarian in Nashville's public schools. She helped thousands of young people discover the joy of learning, all while earning her Master's degree and remaining devoted to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for 55 years.

After George's passing in 1995, Novella found love again with Wayne Wellington Reeves, proving it's never too late to find happiness again. They enjoyed three wonderful years of marriage before Wayne's death in 2010.

Even after being twice-widowed, Novella continued living life fully, traveling the United States and beyond but her greatest joy was family.  She never missed a grandchild's graduation and remained the vibrant center of her family until her final days.

She is remembered with deep love by her son, George Jr. (Clinese), daughter Vernessa (Siegfried), seven adoring grandchildren (who lovingly knew her as "Gran Gran"), six great-grandchildren, her siblings Mary Ernestine Stanfield, Harold Vinson Lawson Sr. (Delores Ann), and Clarence Bernard Lawson, and a loving extended family who will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Mayo Grove Baptist Church, 1065 Whitt Loop, Alton, VA 24520. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega service will be held at 10:30am. Interment will follow the service at Prospect Hill Baptist Church, 301 Bethel Hill School Road, Roxboro, NC 27574

Online condolences may be shared at alanlawsonmortuary.com.

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