September 29 1920 October 27 2019
In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Ann Reese, 99 of Newnan, Georgia on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at her residence. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Sellers-Smith R.W.S. Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Public viewing will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 1, 2019 from 1:00 – 6:00 PM. Mrs. Mary Ann Reese 99, of Newnan, Ga. was born on September 29, 1920 to the late Frank and Rosia in Troup County. She was educated in the Troup County School System. After graduating from high school she attended Fort Valley State College and received a degree in Home Economics. Upon completion of her studies she was employed by the Coweta County Board of Education and remained until she retired after 36 years of teaching. Shortly after moving to Newnan she united with the Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. church. Then she later moved her membership to the Eastside Church of Christ where she was a faithful servant and dedicated member for years. In 1946, she joined in holy matrimony with Lightfoot Henry Reese and to that union 3 children were born, Linda Ruth, (twins) Ronald Henry and Donald Civers Reese. Mary Ann was an avid gardener and her own version of culinary artist. She would split outside time at home dutifully tending to her beautiful flowers planted in the front and throughout her yard – along with the fruit and vegetable garden in the backyard. She spent countless hours mastering recipes, many of which went on to be published and/or award winning. For decades after retirement, former students would approach Mrs. Reese and give her thanks when they saw her out in public. Mary Ann would volunteer her time at the Hibiscus Club, beautifying public spaces with plants and flowers throughout Coweta County. She received several awards for services rendered to educational and community activities. In 1978, she was chosen as Woman of the year by the Orchettes Club. Anyone who graced her doorstep was always greeted with a warm smile and served a warm meal. Always willing to learn, teach and happy to share her knowledge in and out of the classroom, she left a legacy of grace, class, dignity and pride that resonated with everyone she came in contact with. She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter and eight siblings. The life and memories of Mrs, Mary Ann Reese will be cherished by her loving sons Ronald (Brenda) Reese of Atlanta, Georgia and Donald Reese of Detroit, Michigan; Several grandchildren and great grandchildren; One sister; one sister in law, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, former students and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Ann Reese please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Ann Reese September 29 1920 October 27 2019.
Sellers-Smith Funeral Home Inc
Death notice for the town of: Newnan, state: Georgia