Alvenia was born on February 8, 1931, to Marie Olle Shaw and Thomas Henry Jackson in Detroit, Michigan. She was the second of five children, three sisters and a brother; Arletta (preceded in death), Jacqueline (Jackie), Marie (Tootie)(preceded her in death), and Mell (preceded her in death). Alvenia attended Higginbottham ES, Post Junior High and Cooley HS in Detroit, Michigan. She also attended college. Alvenia accepted Christ at an early age. She attended New Prospect Baptist Church on Wisconsin St, Detroit, Michigan, where she was baptized and sang in the choir. Alvenia’s first job was at SS Kresge Retail Store. She worked as the head cook at their lunch counter. While working there, she introduced her Stuffed Cabbage recipe to the store. While working at this store, she met and married Donald Christian Reeves Sr (preceded her in death). From that union there were four children born; Donald C. Reeves Jr (preceded her in death), Gary R. Reeves (preceded her in death), Sharon P. Reeves (Pindle) and Randy Reeves (preceded her in death).
Alvenia loved singing and cooking. She was always singing while she was cooking. She also loved to travel and shop, especially on QVC.
Alvenia worked for Detroit Edison Electric Company as a Supervisor and Head Certified Chef of the Food Department, until she retired.
Later in life she changed membership to People Community Church in Detroit, Michigan where she was one of the lead soloists in the choir. She raised her children and ensured that they received the teachings needed to begin an everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ. She attended this church until she moved to South Carolina.
Alvenia moved to Woodbridge Virginia in 2008 with her daughter Sharon. She attended and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, Woodbridge where she was part of the Golden Eagles Noon Day Fellowship. She attended the noon day fellowship until her dialysis treatments were schedule during that time. She sang in the Ethel Chinn Senior Choir. She loved to sing the Lord’s praises. She was truly blessed with an angelic voice.
Alvenia was a strong woman. She was caring, loving, sweet and an exceptional mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend.
The Lord blessed Alvenia with her well earned “Wings” on Thursday, December17, 2020 at 3:33am.
Alvenia leaves to cherish her memories; her sister Jackie Hall, brother-in-law Wilson Hall, her daughter Sharon Pindle, twelve grandchildren; Michael, Kevin, Reginald, Ramone, Gary, Lawanda, Jeremy, Shaynon, Alfred (Freddy), Rondonia (Nia), Khrystina and Richard (Ricky), a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, best friend Ma Drake and friends.
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Welcome to another City Council preview, this time for the Jan. 27 regular meeting. This week’s meeting will be held at the City Hall Council Chambers at 9027 Center St. The Department of Economic Development, led by Director Patrick Small, will present its fiscal year 2024 report to City Council.
Fiscal year 2024 — from July 2023 to July 2024 — showed an increase in industrial and retail vacancies in the last two quarters of the fiscal year. However, office space vacancies increased slightly over the fiscal year to just over 3.5%.
The city generated $12.9 million in sales taxes and $6.25 million in meal taxes, both increases from fiscal year 2023, the department’s presentation states. The department estimates nearly 340,000 people visited Manassas in fiscal year 2024, generating $60.5 million in spending in the city.
Inspired by the devastating wildfires in California that have affected over 38,600 acres and led to evacuation orders for 88,000 residents as of Jan. 15, we reached out to Stafford County’s Fire and Rescue team to explore how they get ready for wildfires in this area.
A wildfire outbreak began in California on January 7, 2025 and continues as of Jan., 23. Over 47,000 acres have burned, with a new fire starting yesterday in Hughes County. Over 16,000 structures have burned due to wildfires in 2025.
Katie Brady, county fire department spokeswoman and Fire Life Safety Manager, clarified that “wildfire” is a broad blanket term. Stafford is likelier to experience “brush fires” than quick-moving wildfires that cause widespread destruction like California’s. Brushfires can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can be precursors to a larger wildfire capable of causing significant damage. Brushfires are more common when the area experiences drought conditions, like in 2024.
The disciplinary action taken against Patriot High School Principal Michael Bishop earlier this month is the latest chapter in a turbulent tenure at the school, Insidenova.com reports.
Bishop was placed on involuntary leave, the school announced Jan. 9.
The school division did not provide further details upon request from InsideNoVa because it is a “personnel matter,” said Diana Gulotta, the school system’s director of communications.
Fredericksburg police arrested Daquan Warren, 24, for a December 2024 shooting and investigated a January 20 shots fired and burglary incident on Townsend Boulevard. Stafford County saw assaults at Chatham Heights Road and North Stafford High School, a break-in on Ripley Road, and larcenies at Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, and an ABC store. In Prince William County, a strong-arm robbery on Balls Ford Road resulted in the arrest of Jose Fernando Martinez-Gonzalez. Authorities urge public assistance with investigations and provide tips hotlines for each jurisdiction.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
