Mrs. Addie B. Reese

April 24, 1935 - August 6, 2016

Mrs. Addie B. “Gerri” Reese departed this life Saturday, August 6, 2016 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born to April 24, 1935 to Ruby Lee Connors and Booker Trenten Jones in Edmondson, Arkansas. As a young child, Addie was raised in the home of her paternal grandparents Israel ( ”Papa”) Jones and Cali B. ( ”Mama”) Jones. When Papa and Mama passed on Addie moved north to Gary, Indiana where she lived with her aunts Grace and Arlene. Addie graduated as valediction of Roosevelt High School which lead to her receiving a degree in Cosmetology and a Master’s degree as a Registered Nurse from Indiana University. Later in life, Addie decided to make a career change and work for Ford Motor Company in Michigan, where she was classified as the first woman spray painter. She was employed with Ford Motor Company until she retired in 1987. Gerri was a woman of great kindness but she was very well known for telling it like it is! She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, and playing the lottery. She also enjoyed raising children and caring for people. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Gerri leaves behind to cherish her memory, Lonnie her spouse of 36 years; four children Sabrina, Emmett Jr (Freda), Efrem and Eryc. She also leaves behind, her first cousin, Empress and her three granddaughters, Emmetta, Keeshia and Shahnaz who all were raised in her home as her own children. Addie also leaves four more grandchildren James, Andre, Kenneth and Deeverlon and a host of great grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Addie B. “Gerri” Reese will continue to be loved and in the hearts of many.