Mrs. Shirley Jane Reese

Shirley Jane Tillery Reese, 86, of Americus, Georgia passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Phoebe Sumter Hospital in Americus, Georgia. She was born on June 9, 1937 in Columbus Georgia to the late William Henry Tillery and Thelma Sanders Tillery. Shirley had a pure joy for life. She lived by the motto, “Beauty, Truth, and Goodness”. She was an amazing homemaker and cook. She found joy in making her home a beautiful place in which to reside. She also had a life long interest and supporter of the theatre and fine arts. She enjoyed her affiliation with the Americus Little Theatre. She was educated at Central High in Phenix City, Alabama. She attended Judson College in Marion, Alabama where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech and drama. She earned a Master of Education degree and Specialist degree in Education from Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus, Georgia. During her teaching career, she taught high school English, speech and drama. She was an attendance officer, a media specialist, a seventh grade and a fifth grade teacher in the Americus school system. She completed her career in education as a Family Service Coordinator in Lee County, Georgia. She impacted thousands of lives during her thirty years in education. She cherished each of her students and was interested in their lives. She would quickly remember the name and often, the exact desk the student sat in years ago when greeted by a former student. To her four children, twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren she was loving referred to as GiGi. Her influence, love and guidance has had a major impact in each of their lives. She has cheered, encouraged and counseled each them during life’s highlights and challenges. She had an incredible way of developing a personal relationship with each family member, making each one feel like the most important person in the world during their time together. Her wisdom and undivided attention were among her greatest gifts. She is survived by the love of her life, her beloved husband of 63 years, Richard Pope Reese, II; her children, Christina Meredith Reese Wilson of Americus Georgia, Catherine O’Neal Reese Holman (Lee) of Woodstock, Georgia, Nancy Jane Reese Hayes (Mark) of Americus, Georgia and LTC (Ret) Richard Pope Reese, III U. S, Army (Tiffany) of Suffolk, Virginia. Sisters Doyce Tillery Amos of Winston-Salem, N. C. and Betty Joyce Tillery of Auburn, Alabama. Grandchildren Dr. Nancy Adalyn Wilson Westmark (Dave), Elizabeth Lauren Wilson Moyd (Lorin), Mary Frances Wilson, Sara Katherine Wilson, Frank Adams Wilson V, CPT Thomas Reese Holman, U. S. Army (Margo), SFC Ryan Lee Holman, U. S. Army, CPL Richard Emory Holman, Georgia State Patrol, William Reese Hayes (Allison), Mary-Kate Hayes McClure (Dr. Nicholas), Richard Pope Reese IV, Rachel Paige Reese and eight great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Dr. Don Tillery, William H. (Buddy) Tillery and Ajalon Tillery. Shirley’s faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior was woven into all areas of her life. After accepting Christ as her savior as a young girl, her lifelong walk of faith began. One of her greatest gifts was interceding for others through prayer. Not only did she tell people she would pray for them, often she would stop in that moment and pray with them. She had a love for scripture and her great wisdom was anchored in God’s word. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Aldridge Funeral Home. A celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 8 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, Americus, Georgia. Rev. Keith Parks will officiate the services. To sign the online guest book and share your condolences with the family please visit aldridgefuneralservices.com Aldridge Funeral & Cremation Services is in charge of these arrangements.

Mrs. Shirley Jane Reese

June 9, 1937 - March 3, 2024