Linda Reese who was affectionately referred to as “Cookie” by her family was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 20,1942 to Velma and James Gilstrap. Linda graduated from Northeastern High School in 1961. Shortly, after she began working as a Dietary Aid at Detroit Memorial Hospital. She continued to work as a Dietary Aid until 1989 at Mount Carmel Hospital now known as Sinai Grace Hospital.
Linda was known for her love of working in the yard, decorating her house, and enhancing her thrift store finds by putting her own unique spin on them. Although she was quiet, she wasn’t afraid to tell you what she wanted and how she wanted them. Her laid back demeanor led many people to take to her and become her friend.
Linda met and married the late Mitchell Reese Jr and to this union they had 5 children LaTrease Perry, LaTonia Reese, LaMisha (Nathaniel) Dockery, Mitchell Reese III who preceded her in death, and Mark Reese. In addition, she was blessed to have 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren Matthew Reese, Krystal Chattam (Hazel), Bianca Perry (Mila), Evonna & Milano Garland (Callie & Croix), Terrell Dockery (Aubrey), Jalen Dockery, and Kayla Reese (Milo). Whom she loved and cherished.
Linda became a dedicated baptized servant of Jehovah God on January 1, 1954, at the young age of 11 years old. Her love for Jehovah was evident because everyone she met got to learn about Jehovah. Though her ministry was sometimes limited she used every occasion to talk about Jehovah and witness about the wonderful hope for the future.
She was faithful and put up a hard fight to the end. On January 23, 2022, she fell asleep in death, evermore confident in the hope of a resurrection and a paradise earth. (Revelation 21,3,4).
She leaves to cherish loving memories, her sister Brenda (Ronnie) Hawkins, brothers James (Lynn) Gilstrap, David Cherry, Dennis (Patricia) Cherry and a host of family and friends.
