Margaret Louise Reeves Bray, the daughter of the late Gertha H. Reeves, Sr. and Rebecca Salmon Reeves, was born on October 16, 1938, in Kershaw County, South Carolina.

God opened the heavens and welcomed Margaret Louise Reeves Bray into His arms of comfort on June 17, 2024, at 8AM in Colchester, Connecticut.  

Margaret, affectionately known as “Tookie,” was well known and loved by many during her time in this world.  Margaret was recognized as a force and a delight at the same time.

Margaret’s early years were spent in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she was educated in the Wake County public school system. She graduated from JW Ligon High School. Upon graduation, Margaret migrated to Connecticut where she was employed as a nursing assistant with Connecticut Valley Hospital for several years. Soon after, Margaret was united in marriage with Horace Bray, Jr., of Colchester, Connecticut.

Margaret left Connecticut in the early 1960’s to live in New York where she was quickly hired by NYTEL Telephone Company as a service repair clerk. Prior to retiring as a technical engineer, Margaret spent 30 years advancing up the corporate ladder into various supervisory roles, including middle management where she excelled in her superior skills of communications. Margaret was a trailblazer and mentor to many black women in corporate America. With her tenacity to lead and desire for advancement and success, Margaret made many work allies and life-long friends.

After retiring from Verizon in 1989, Margaret moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to assist her late sister Daisy Reeves Harris, an entrepreneur within the industry of fashion; where Margaret excelled utilizing her knowledge of fashion and styling, dressing many prominent women in the community. Many will tell you Margaret and her sister Daisy did more than dress ladies, they were advocates for women’s empowerment.  A day in the Lady’s Shop was an ultra-experience of fun and laughs.

Margaret had many hobbies which included reading, traveling, cooking, and bowling in her early life, taking courses and earning certifications to advance her career.  One that she specifically enjoyed was the Dale Carnegie course on human relations. 

Margaret simply loved people unconditionally. Through her congenial spirit and love of humanity, she welcomed people into her home of all generations and lifestyles.  Margaret lived life full of exuberance, vibrancy and fortitude. Margaret loved entertaining.  Margaret planned and implemented many hours of enjoyment for her friends and loved ones. Margaret was her best when hosting a house full of people and creating culinary delights that were simply stated as delicious. She is known for her gift of hospitality.

Margaret was a longtime member of New Freedom Christian Fellowship Church where she served faithfully on the food pantry distribution committee and lead usher. Margaret attended church faithfully and served as a mother of the church.

Margaret would often say, “family first.” She loved her family.  At 82 years “gold,” she left North Carolina and moved to Connecticut to spend her final years with her beloved family.  Margaret felt her role as a family matriarch was to encourage her family members, especially the youth and to remind them of our family legacy and standards.

Tookie lived life to the fullest.

She is survived by her loving daughter and grandson, Kim Irell Reeves of Raleigh, NC, Christian Edan Reeves of Baltimore, MD; five sisters, Elizabeth Reeves, of Middletown, Willess Williamson Garrett of Marlborough, Elease Reeves, of West Haven, and Mary Reeves Brooks, of Bloomfield; one brother, Gertha Reeves Jr., of Norwich; a special niece and nephew Jacqueline Moore of Bowie, MD and Jeffrey Fletcher, of Branford; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends who were very special to her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 11AM to 12PM, and immediately following will be the Homegoing services beginning at 12PM at Abundant Life Church, 85 Skinner Road, Colchester. Interment will follow in Linwood Cemetery.