1947
2018
Alma Lee Reese passed away peacefully on January 7, 2018 after a valiant battle with cancer. She touched the lives of so many as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Alma was born on November 12, 1947 in Sunshine, LA. She was the second of six children born to the late Royal and Cleola Jackson and was baptized at an early age at the 1st Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Alma attended school in Sunshine through the 11th grade. However, a summer visit?to her late Aunt Lillian and Uncle?Samuel Jackson in Oakland, CA inspired her to relocate to California. She went on to graduate from Oakland's Castlemont High school in 1965 and also attended Merritt College.
While living in the Bay Area, Alma reconnected with John Reese, her childhood family friend from Louisiana, and they married in 1967 and had four children. She took great pride in her family and often talked about them to anyone that would lend an ear.
Alma spent over 30 years as a social worker with the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, retiring in 2004. She loved counseling others through her involvement in Al-Anon, offering practical life advice like "let go and let God," and recommending the perfect self-help book. She was an avid reader, football fanatic (we lovingly called her the "almanac"), amazing cook and spirited dancer.
Alma's memory will forever be cherished by her husband of?50 years, John Reese of San Jose, CA; four children, Angela Groves (Jeff) of Palos Verdes Estates, CA; Dwight Reese (Shirley) of Chicago, IL; Kerri Wise (Dana) of Chatsworth,?CA and Marcus Reese of San Jose, CA; eight grandchildren, Alana, Jennessa, Gabrielle, Jett, Cash, Sydney, Cairo and Tyson; four brothers, Rev. Royal Jackson Jr. (Frankie) of Richmond, TX; Walter Jackson (Cheryl) of Fresno, CA; Gerald Jackson (Dorothy) of Zachary, LA and Charles Jackson (Rita) of Manvel, TX; one sister, Joyce Riley (Rev. Jonathan) of Friendswood, TX; two aunts, Mildred Cornelius and Fredonia Mitchell; 3 brother- in-laws, Lawrence Reese (Perlie), Joseph Reese and George Reese; 4 sister-in-laws, Cora Atwater, Alma Walker, Audrey Littlefield (Al) and Hilda Lucas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Royal and Cleola Jackson.
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Sponsored by Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
January 26, 2018
Marcus Reese and family..I am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing.. May God Bless you and comfort you during this time. May your Mom rest in Heavenly Peace.My prayers are with you.Val Guyton Jameil's Mom...
January 22, 2018
A
Alma touched my life with her gentle, honest & kind delivery of her perspective. My condolences to the family and gratitude to Alma for her courage.
January 19, 2018
Alma a very special and beautiful lady. We are so glad to have been a part of her life. Such a sweet and loving spirit. We will miss seeing her! Our deepest thoughts and prayers for John and the family. May the peace of God be with you.
Love Ivory and Verna Jones
January 19, 2018
PJ
My deepest condolences to the family at this time. Alma was a very special person and I will miss her. She shared her strength and insight with me in very meaningful ways and touched my life in beautiful ways. May the Warmth of her Spirit continue to offer you strength and comfort.
January 19, 2018
Margaret M
Dearest Alma, thank you for sharing the 'Eyes of God' with me. You will be deeply missed!
January 18, 2018
Lynne Booth
My heart ❤ is broken!! I will miss my Alma Reese !
All the good times we had will forever remain with me !! Heaven is jumping for joy !!
John we will be forever grateful for Alma Reese'
Kind and thoughtful heart and sense of humor !!
To God be the glory !!
We love you Alma Reese and you will never be forgotten!! A true friend you have been !!! Love you!! Always ! Dwight, Angie, Kerri , and Marcus !!
Take care !! Be blessed !! Love God !!
January 18, 2018
Joanne T.
I am very saddened to learn of Alma's passing. She was a lovely friend and I will miss her gentle voice and kindly manner. Condolences to her family. Rest in Peace, Alma, you will be missed by the many people whose lives you touched.
January 18, 2018
George and Deborah
Thinking of you John and Family. Extending heartfelt understanding and sympathy. Asking the Lord to grant you Comfort and Peace during your time of sorrow.
January 11, 2018
KRISTIN GALINDO
RIP IN HEAVEN ALMA. SO VERY SORRY FOR THE LOSS JOHN AND FAMILY. OUR PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND COMFORT ARE SENT YOUR WAY.
LOVE YOU MY BROTHER
KRISSY AND RUDY
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