Iva Gail Bebber Reavis, 89, of China Grove, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC.

Born February 23, 1937, in Taylorsville, North Carolina, Gail was the daughter of the late Zeb Watt Bebber and Edna Jane Ferguson Bebber. On November 26, 1955, Gail married the love of her life, Billy Joe Reavis. Together, they shared almost 71 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and love. They raised four children: Kim Reavis Carter, Sharon Reavis Cooke, Mark Ashley Reavis (Jenny), and Carrie Jo Reavis (TJ Wood). She was proud of and loved her grandchildren: Marcie, Joey, Hannah, Logan, Alex, Jake, and Sophie, and her great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Carson, Aubrey, Bayley, Skylar, Dawson, Finley, Stella, and Hazel.

She also held a special place in her heart for her nephews, Barry and David Kelly, whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Zeb Watt and Edna Jane Ferguson Bebber; her sisters: Hilda Jane Beaver and Phyllis Anne Gardner; her sons-in-law: Dale Cooke and Jeff Carter; and grandsons: Dylan and Daniel Reavis. As the matriarch of her family, Gail was a source of strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. She was kind and generous, strong yet sensitive. While she took great pride in her many accomplishments, nothing brought her greater joy than her faith and family. Her love for her family was unwavering, and each generation was blessed by her devotion, generosity, and care.

A lifelong member of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, Gail’s Christian faith was central to her life. Over the years, she taught Sunday school and generously supported her church, Samaritan’s Purse, and numerous other charitable organizations. She had a true servant’s heart, demonstrating her faith not only through her generosity but also through her kindness, compassion, and willingness to care for others. She was a faithful servant of the Lord who lived her beliefs through her actions.

Gail had a special gift for caring for those around her. She lovingly cared for her mother, her younger sister Phyllis, and her Aunt Alice Mullis during their times of need. Her generosity extended far beyond material gifts; she freely gave her time, energy, and love to those who needed her.

Cooking was another way Gail expressed her love. Her family will fondly remember her homemade chicken pie, strawberry dumplings, biscuits, chocolate pie, and coconut cake. Her kitchen was a place where love was shared, memories were made, and family was always welcome.

Gail took great pride in her professional accomplishments and enjoyed a successful 36-year career with Duke Energy, where she served as Manager of Computer Information Systems. While working and raising four children, she attended Queens College and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1983. Her determination, strong work ethic, and dedication to both her career and family were a testament to the remarkable woman she was.

Above all, Gail leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, perseverance, and love that will continue through the generations. Her family will forever cherish the memories they shared and the example she set throughout her life.

The Homecoming Celebration honoring Gail’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Lady’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 12:45 p.m. The celebration service will follow visitation in the chapel at 1:00 p.m.