Others Magazine

Major Edna Joyce Reeves was promoted to glory on Sunday 7 August 2022, aged 90 years. Edna entered her eternal reward, walking home with Jesus after faithfully serving as a Salvation Army officer for more than 66 years.

Edna Joyce Stace was born on 2 April 1932 at her family’s home in Armidale (NSW). On 23 March 1955, Edna entered Officer Training College from Armidale Corps as a cadet in the Soul Winners session. Following her commissioning on 12 January 1956, Lieutenant Edna was appointed as a trainee midwife at Bethesda Hospital, Marrickville, becoming a Midwife Sister. She was then appointed to Rockhampton Mothers Hospital on 27 February 1960. She spent a term at the Army’s Rockhampton Peoples Palace before marrying Lieutenant Noel Reeves on 3 June 1961. They were blessed with three children – Margaret, Scott and Catherine.

Between 1962 and 1984, Edna and Noel served as corps officers at Dalby, Inala, Cairns, North Rockhampton (all Qld), Tamworth, Lismore, Fairy Meadow and Gosford (all NSW) and Canberra City Temple (ACT). There was a term in the Public Relations Department from 1984 to 1992 and then as an administrator at the Sydney Appeal Office (1992-93). Between January 1993 and July 1996, her service continued in the Newcastle and Central NSW Division as Divisional League of Mercy Secretary and Divisional Seniors Program Secretary, followed by Territorial Officer, Property Department, in 1996-97. Edna’s final appointment as an active officer was as Retired Officers’ Chaplain in the Sydney Metropolitan Area Pastoral Care Office. Majors Noel and Edna entered retirement on 11 January 2001.

In retirement, Edna and Noel were involved in ministry activities at the Hurstville Corps in Sydney. These included women’s fellowship groups, Bible study at their home and volunteering at the Hurstville Cafe. Edna enjoyed her retirement by travelling with Noel throughout Australia and with the Retired Officers’ group, spending time with her family and friends and doing many craft activities.

Our love and prayers, along with our heartfelt sympathy, cover and surround Major Noel, Margaret and Harry, Scott and Sue, Catherine and Marc, their families and extended families.

“Her master said to her, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful ... Enter into the joy of your master”
(Matthew 25:23)