Edgar Reeves

Edgar Allen Reeves (6/20/1948-11/14/2023), peacefully passed away at The Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, surrounded by family and friends.

He was the beloved son of Virgil Reeves Jr. and Willa Mae (Johnson) Reeves. Edgar spent his formative years in Dayton and graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in the class of 1966 where he was a member of the 1965 city championship basketball team. Continuing his education, he obtained a bachelor’s degree from Central State University in 1970 and earned a master’s degree in School Administration from Cleveland State University.

During his time at Central State, Edgar’s life took a beautiful turn when he met fellow student Linda Carol O’Bryant, the love of his life. They were married on June 19, 1971, and cherished 52 long, rewarding years together. This union was blessed with three loving children: Eric Andre, Bryan Alan (Stephanie), and Kristen Michelle. Edgar’s children, in turn, gifted him with the joys of grandparenthood through Olyvea Ky, Silas Alan, Caelan Suraiya, Miles Kiran, and Emerson Ryan, and great grandparenthood through Mylo Paul and Kodi Blu.

Edgar dedicated his professional life to the field of education, serving as an esteemed educator in the Dayton Public Schools, Cleveland Public Schools, and the Warrensville Heights City Schools. After a fulfilling career, he retired in 2008, but not before leaving a lasting impact on countless students.

Edgar’s spiritual journey began when he was baptized on December 7, 1954, at Mount Enon Baptist Church. He found great joy in participating in the church choir and was ordained as a Deacon. After Mount Enon, Edgar was an active member of St. Philip Lutheran Church for over 25 years. Later, he joined Olivet Institutional Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Otis Moss Jr and continued his Christian journey under Reverend Dr. Jawanza K. Colvin. There, he passionately served on the welcoming committee, the O.M. Hoover Education Ministry, the Men’s Ministry, and the Men’s Choir.

Edgar was honored to hold the position of President of the Board of the African American Museum of Cleveland. Among his family and community, he used his powerful voice to serve as the griot, handing down oral history, cultural wisdom, and religious learnings to those he valued.

Beyond his professional and spiritual endeavors, Edgar had a variety of interests. He enjoyed researching and mapping the genealogy of his family, consuming a wide range of literature, playing golf with family and friends, and traveling the world with his wife, often in pursuit of their children’s and grandchildren’s wanderlust.

Edgar leaves behind a legacy that will be continued by many generations to come including nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, and a host of family and friends. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth Paul and sister-in-law Stephanie; cousins Pat Wiley and Deborah Renee Johnson; his lifelong friends Stephen Smith and Jimmy McKee; and members of the BLP Group. His warm presence, his wisdom, and unwavering love will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him.

His memory will be best served by continuing the griot tradition of passing down oral history, promoting awareness of leukemia, and supporting others fighting blood cancers and disorders. Donations may be made in his name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Central State University.

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