Mrs. Mary Ella (Lowe) Reese

“Come to me all ye that labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  Matt. 11:28-30

M ary Ella Reese was born on November 3, 1942, to the union of Lonnie and Lula Lowe in Texasville, Alabama. She later moved to Dothan, Alabama with her family while still a young child. As a child, Mary love to attend church with her favorite older sister, Elsie. At the age of 9, Mary had her first encounter with God and received the Holy Ghost.

At the age of 15, she met her husband Bobby Reese, however, he was

already in a relationship…but that didn’t stop her. Mary had a brief

conversation with his current girlfriend stating, “that there is MY future husband.” Two years later on August 2, 1960, Mary Ella Lowe became Mrs. Mary Ella Reese.

Upon marriage, the young couple moved to Brooklyn, New York then later moved to Roosevelt, Long Island, New York with their four young children. A few years after moving to Roosevelt, Mary became a member of Progressive Holiness Church of Hempstead, New York. There she was titled Mother, Missionary, and a member of the Gospel Chorus.

Mother Reese held the standards of holiness as well as the standards of a Mother to her heart. Whenever or whoever is in need, she opened the doors to her home and her heart. She loved baking, making pear

preserves, and jelly for the family and friends.

Mother Reese was the ultimate prayer warrior. Followed by her prayers were encouragement and words of wisdom. Regardless of your encounter with Mother Reese, it was one that left a forever stamp on your heart and soul.

Mother Reese believed in and loved her family. She enjoyed being in the midst of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She

always enjoyed listening to stories told by her grandchildren about their parents, her children. Grandma’s house was always a haven to share laughter, food, joy, and sometimes tears.

Mother Reese always had trust in God and believed that All things work together for good to them that love God… (Romans 8:28). Even on her sickbed, she saw the worry of her children and grandchildren on their faces, she still gave encouraging words of wisdom. On Thursday

morning, October 29th, 2020, Mother Reese was called home to be with the Lord.

Mother Reese’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband of 60 years, Bobby Reese, Sr. Her six children: Vernita

Cunningham (Bancroft) of Baldwin, New York, Bobby Reese Jr (Olivia) of Lawton, Oklahoma, Anthony Reese of Houston, Texas, Sareatha

Fulton of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Eleasha Reese-Lewis (Michael) of Durham, North Carolina, Diana Reese of Baldwin, New York; 14

grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; her sister, Vergie Fitten of Atlanta, Georgia; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.