Mrs. Minnie Gradie Reese

Minnie Gradie Lemon-Reese was born on September 27, 1914 in Atlanta, Georgia, to the union of Leola and Floyd Lemon. The family moved to Detroit in the early 1930’s, where they continued to reside. Her siblings included Cleo Jessie and David James, both of whom preceded her in death. She completed her education in the Detroit Public Schools. She later was employed in an assembly unit of a plant that designed and built planes used in World War II. Mother Reese was later employed at the Highland Park Hospital, working in the dietary department. During her spare time, she made and sold arts and crafts articles. She worked tirelessly and faithfully, along with her husband, to help provide for her family, whom she loved dearly. She was united in holy matrimony to her late husband, Elder Robert Reese on March 14, 1936. They were blessed with four children, including sons Richard and Kenard and daughters Alberta and Melvena. Her daughter, Alberta, preceded her in death. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior in her youth, and was a member of the Zion Congregational Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Elder I. W. Winans. She was a faithful member, and served as one of the mothers of the church. Mother Minnie Reese was active and supportive of her church life in many ways. She always lived and displayed a Christ-like spirit, which was a reflection of her values, faith, and beliefs. She later began worshipping at Shalom Temple in 1976, under the leadership of Elder Jesse T. Stacks. She later joined the saints at West Seven Mile Congregational C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Bishop Hosea Evans. Mother Reese celebrated her 99th birthday on Friday, September 27, at which time she was surrounded by her family and friends. She always prayed for her family daily, asking God to protect and watch over them. She remained faithful to God and continued to serve Him to the end. She was truly a virtuous woman of God. She realized that she was truly blessed by Him for the many, many years that she was granted to serve Him. She honored her mother and father, according to the Holy Scriptures, and her days were long on this earth. She was a loving, faithful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-great-great-grandmother, sister and aunt, who was always concerned about the needs of her family and others. Her radiant smile always made her family and friends feel blessed to be around her, and she always enjoyed sharing the good times with them. Mother Minnie Gradie Reese transitioned from this life to her eternal resting place on Sunday, September 29, 2013, surrounded by family during her final moments.

Mrs. Minnie Gradie Reese

September 27, 1914 - September 29, 2013