Sandra McKemie Reese

Sandra McKemie Reese, 87, of Albany, Georgia passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from a sudden illness. Sandra was born and raised in Albany, returning after her studies to become a life-long resident. After graduating high school in 1953 from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Sandra attended Agnes Scott College. She then transferred to the University of Georgia, becoming an honors student in the School of Home Economics and a loyal member of the Chi Omega sorority. Upon graduation in 1957, Sandra married John Lamar Reese, Jr and moved to San Francisco, CA while Lamar completed his tenure with the US Navy. Sandra and Lamar soon moved to her hometown of Albany, where she taught high school Home Economics at Albany High School for one year before giving birth to John, the first of three sons. Sandra and Lamar were church-loving and civic-minded. They were a formidable team with an unwavering focus towards the betterment of their community; giving generously and unconditionally of their time, energy and resources. The daughter of a physician, Sandra was a loyal, twenty-five year volunteer at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and a dedicated servant leader to her church family at Porterfield Methodist Church, serving in many capacities. From committee work, to answering the office phone, Sandra took part in addressing any church need – all with a faithful heart and that big, beautiful Southern smile for which she is known. Sandra was a life-time member of the Alpha Sunday School class and an active participant in multiple Porterfield Bible Studies up until her death. She was a member of the Albany Junior League, the Albany Charity League and the Palmyra Heights Garden Club where she served as President twice and was a sustaining Honorary Member. Sandra never tired of helping others. While Sandra loved people and never met a stranger, her greatest honor was that of Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and was affectionately known by all as “Little Mama.” While she was small in stature, she was big in love and devotion to her family and to her many cherished long-time Albany friends. She delighted in playing card games where a group of four met several times a week, often letting laughter and lively conversation take over the games. She was an intellect, a voracious reader, and a student of the Bible. Sandra was the unofficial Hospitality Director at her Tuxedo neighborhood community, always on-go for scheduling socials, Bible studies and swim gatherings. She was the epitome of kindness, generosity, gracious hospitality and loved sharing her wit and wisdom with anyone in her company. Although a graduate of UGA, Georgia Tech never had a more committed fan than Sandra. She loved Albany, her country, her fellow man and was tireless in her pursuit to make the most of each day. Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Howard Marvin McKemie, MD and Hope Horner McKemie; her only sibling, Hope McKemie Dozier; and her husband of 60 years, John Lamar Reese, Jr. She is survived by her three sons that she loved whole-heartedly: John Lamar Reese III (Mary) of Albany; Marvin McKemie Reese (Holly) of LaGrange; and Franklin Howard Reese (Loulie) of Atlanta. Perhaps Sandra’s greatest joy was her eight grandchildren: John Lamar Reese IV (Jamie); William Metris Reese; Paul McKemie Reese; Jordan Virginia Reese; Marvin McKemie Reese, Jr.; Robert Francis Reese; Franklin Howard Reese, Jr.; Loulie Eugenia Reese; three great grandchildren, Carlyn Virginia Reese, Suzanna Roberts Reese, and John Sheppard Reese; her sister-in law Dana Reese Harris, her nephew Richard Douglas Dozier, Jr. and nieces McKemie Dozier West, Leslie Harris Thomas, Dana Harris Jones, and Lisa Harris Seckinger. The family would like to thank Janice Williams, Kontessa Heath, Gloria Seay and Pearl Huggins for the loving care and friendship that they gave to Sandra the last several years. Sandra was able to live a full life in her own home due to the kindness and love of these devoted ladies. Visitation will be held at Porterfield Methodist Church in Albany, Georgia on Thursday, October 26 (9:30 a.m.) followed by an 11:00 graveside service at Crown Hill Cemetery with a luncheon immediately following the service at Porterfield Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Porterfield Methodist Church, 2200 Dawson Road, Albany GA 31707, or to the Sandra & Lamar Reese Scholarship at the Georgia Institute of Technology Scheller College of Business to benefit Albany area students attending Georgia Tech, c/o LRA Constructors, 2727 Upland Court, Albany GA 31707.

Sandra McKemie Reese

November 9, 1935 - October 21, 2023