Jeanne Reaves

Mrs. Jeanne McKeown Reaves, 82, of Columbia, South Carolina, peacefully departed from this earthly life and woke up in the presence of her Savior completely healed body and mind on February 7, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Crossroads Church, 2723 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC, with burial to follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home.

Jeanne was born in Sumter, South Carolina, to Harry and Zelime McKeown. She was a 1961 graduate of Edmunds High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed annual beach trips with her classmates. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Converse College and taught high school math for several years before dedicating her life to her family and the ministry of teaching God’s Word.

The most important moment of her life came on May 2, 1976, when Jesus Christ saved her from her sinful life, paid the debt for her sin, and reconciled her to God the Father. Her greatest desire is for you to know for certain where you will spend eternity - Heaven or Hell. Acts 20:24 - “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” (NIV)

In 1979, she was a founding member of Calvary Bible Church and later became a founding member of Crossroads Church in 2000. Her church family was an integral part of her life, forming the rhythm of her weeks. For more than 40 years, she faithfully taught Bible studies through Precept Ministries, empowering countless individuals to study the Bible independently and deeply using the inductive method. Her passion for teaching people how to study Scripture led her across the United States and internationally, including teaching trips to Ukraine, Russia, Scotland, and England, where she trained others in Bible study leadership. She especially loved traveling with her husband, Tom, dear friends from church, and other leaders from Precept Ministries, always “Making memories” regardless of the circumstances, usually accompanied by a photo!

She never met a stranger—she had a gift for striking up conversations with anyone. She cherished her neighbors from Cove View Court, friends she and Tom made with the shag clubs in town, even people she met at the gym or in Kroger! She was a true southern lady, hospitable and genuinely interested in you and your life, and welcoming to everyone.

Jeanne was famously known as Bunny by her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, (and one on the way), as well as by their friends, neighbors, and others. She never missed an opportunity to tell them she was praying for each of them two times a day. She will be remembered for her Christmas tea parties, Birthday lunches, and Moose Tracks ice cream.

Jeanne was quick to say “thank you” and “I love you,” to the caregivers at Harbison Shores Memory Care and staff of All Seasons Hospice. The family deeply appreciates the staff and their dedication to a difficult job, kindness, and loving care that she received.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Marion Reaves, the love of her life, with whom she shared 51 wonderful years of marriage. Mr. Reaves passed away on February 9, 2017, and—nine years later—they will share the same burial anniversary. She was also predeceased by her parents and her brother, “Toby” McKeown, all of Sumter.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Amanda Campbell (David Campbell) of Columbia, SC; her son, Tom Reaves, Jr. (Sara Beth Reaves) of Fernandina Beach, FL; her sister, Zelime “Lemie” Lentz of Asheville, NC; grandchildren and their spouses, and great-grandchildren.

Her life was a beautiful testament to her steadfast commitment to sharing God’s Word and loving others well.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in her honor to Precept Ministries at give.precept.org.