Pastor Dr. Betty Reaves

Pastor Dr. Betty Ann Singleton Reaves was born on January 20, 1941, in
Charleston, South Carolina, and was the eldest daughter of the late Willie Sr. and
Rosalie Singleton. She peacefully departed this earthly life and entered eternal rest on
Friday, April 18, 2025, at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital.
Pastor Reaves received her early education in the Charleston County School
District, attending Rhett Elementary School and graduating from Burke High School.
She furthered her studies at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, earning a
bachelor’s degree in education. A dedicated scholar and proponent of education,
Pastor Reaves would go on to earn her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Theology
from the Monument of Faith Bible College in Marion, SC.
Pastor Reaves’ career spanned over 50 years as an educator with Dillon County
Schools and Marion County School District One until she retired. She was instrumental
in shaping and guiding the lives of countless children and youth in the community, and
her impact has resonated with them well into adulthood.
Pastor Reaves was a faithful servant to God, her church, and community. She
served her late pastor, Connie Dickerson, as her assistant pastor until she transitioned
to glory in 2002. Her servitude set her apart, and she was chosen to lead the Outreach
Victory Church. She led the church by the Word of God and example. Those who were
under her auspices often attest to her quiet but stern influence. The hallmark of her
leadership abilities, when referred to by others, has been, “Pastor Reaves kept me in
check, or Pastor Reaves doesn’t play!” This quiet, stern strength added value to many
families and marriages, and this virtue aided in the success of many lives. Her wisdom
was second to none, and she was a virtuous woman full of poise and class. She instilled
in the women to take pride in their appearance, and often said, “When you look in the
mirror, it won’t tell you a lie.” In 2022, the Outreach Victory Church restructured and
changed its name to the Love and Faith Christian Church. She remained steadfast and
continued to instill in the parishioners the necessity of trusting wholeheartedly in the
Lord Jesus Christ and walking in His love. Her indelible mark of faithfulness and
stewardship will be forever etched in the lives that she touched.
Pastor Reaves was preceded in death by her husband of over 40 years, Willie
(Pete) Reaves, her parents, Willie Sr., and Rosalie Singleton, and three brothers: Willie
Singleton, Jr., Earl Singleton, and Marshall Singleton.
Though she had no biological children, she was a mother-figure, grandmother,
godmother, and spiritual mother to countless men and women throughout her life and
ministry.
Pastor Reaves leaves to cherish her memory: her sister, Rosalie (Donald)
Elmore, brother, Benjamin (Loretta) Singleton, of Columbia, SC, nephew, Benjamin
Singleton, Jr., of Frankfurt, Germany, nieces Natascha (Jeremie) Singleton of Frankfurt,
Germany, Alexis (Wilbert) Johnson, Amber (Juan) Ochoa of Columbia, SC and Justine
Singleton of Lithonia, GA, one brother-in-law, James Gilchrist of Mullins, SC, one sister-
in-law, Sandra (Willie) McClellan of Nichols, SC, and a host of loving great-nephews,
great-nieces, church family, extended family and friends whom will miss her dearly.

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