Tributes

Reba Malone was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 12, 1934. She went to be with the Lord on June 26, 2024, at the age of 89. Reba will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Irene Nieman; late husband Thomas “Gene” E. Malone III; and sister Frances K. Garrett. She is survived by her brother Ernest “Buddy” Nieman (Doretha), brother-in-law Walter Garrett, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Reba graduated Valedictorian from May High School in 1953, began her career with the San Antonio Housing Authority and also worked for Coca Cola Bottling Co. She served as the Executive Director of the Southside Chamber of Commerce, which she helped organize in 1982. Reba, a longtime San Antonio community leader was active in transit issues. She served as a member of the Via Metropolitan Transit Board for nine years, during which time she also served as secretary. This led to a career position with Chance Coach/Optima Bus traveling the world selling transit buses. Upon retirement she started her own business, Reba Malone & Associates, serving as a transportation consultant. She also worked as property manager for Minten Plaza for years. Reba was elected chairperson of the American Public Transit Association, which made her the first leader from the Southwest region of the United States and the first woman to hold that office. She was instrumental in opening the door for women in the public transportation industry. Reba always credited her success and accomplishments in transit to her involvement in the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She helped to start the Southeast Business and Professional Women’s Club in San Antonio in 1974 and served as President for her local organization in 1975. She rose through the ranks of district and state offices, ultimately serving as President of the Texas Federation of BPW Clubs in 1985-1986. Reba has an impressive record of service to the community. She served on numerous boards and commissions of local, state, and national governmental entities and organizations dealing with education, the arts, economic development, and transportation. Some of those include Southwest Transit Association, Department of Transportation, Public Transportation Advisory Council, Texas Transit Board of Directors, and the Airport Advisory Board. Reba was an active member of her neighborhood association, served on the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame Board, Brooks Development Authority, The Fifth Army Community Council of San Antonio, Market Square Advisory Board, Texas Women’s Forum, and the Baptist Hospital Board. Other memberships included The League of Women Voters, Beautify San Antonio Association, and Alamo Area Council of Governments and Human Resources Committee. She was also a member of the San Antonio Council of Presidents and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Souvenir Program Committee. Reba has given her energy and vision to such causes as Palo Alto College, upgrading of Stinson Field, and worked with many investors to bring new development to the Southside of San Antonio. Her leadership and service in the community have been recognized with several awards and honors including, San Antonio Express News Outstanding Woman of the Year in 1979, SEBPW Club Woman of the year in 1976-1977, and San Antonio Light’s Todays Woman in 1982. She was the first woman selected for the Friend of Texas Transit Award for outstanding service in the development of transit in Texas. Reba was inducted into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 1987. South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce honored Reba as a legend in 2012 for her 40 years of service to the Southside through numerous positions. The Southside of San Antonio was something special to Reba Malone. Reba was a member of Travis Park Church. She was a bowler in her earlier years bowling at Broadway Lanes, Turner Club, and Highland Social Club. She enjoyed beach trips and family gatherings at Holiday Beach. She was an avid shopper and loved arts and crafts, music, and supporting and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs. Special thanks to the nurses, caretakers, and staff at Franklin Park and Embrace Hospice for the love and care. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Mission Park South. Interment will follow in Mission Burial Park South.

Tributes

Reba N. Malone

December 12, 1934 - June 26, 2024