Judith Ellen “Judy” Reese, 77, of Paris passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 7, surrounded by her loving family. Services will be under the direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
As a former Labor and Delivery nurse for 36 years at Paris Regional Medical center, Judy helped to bring countless babies into the world and taught new moms and dads how to care for their newborns. She also worked as a pediatric home healthcare nurse where she grew and established life-long relationships with the families.
Born on September 11, 1946 in Houston to Howard and Ruth England. Her father was a veteran of World War II and the family would visit Paris often to visit with friends made during the war. It was on a trip to Paris that she was set up on a blind date with Randy Reese. The two fell in love and were married in Houston on August 8, 1964.
Judy and Randy made their home in Paris where they raised their three children: Brian, Lori and Allison. Judy was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Weselyn Class. As a life-long Christian, she showed her faith by traveling to Haiti, Guatemala and Mexico as a missionary where she provided medical care and attention to those in need.
She was an avid traveler and had visited more than 26 countries on six continents. She loved to cruise and frequently traveled with her best friend Vicky Phifer to all corners of the globe, with her last trip being a trans-Atlantic cruise from Europe to the United States.
Judy is survived by her husband Randy; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Rachel Reese of Forney, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Charles Cooley of Calallen, TX; and daughter and son-in-law, Allison and Rusty Cole of Reno, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Robin Reese, Brenna Reese, Colby Cooley and Cady Cooley; and brother, Richard England of Spring, TX; along with several nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family will receive friends and family for visitation Wednesday, June 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Bright-Holland Funeral Home. Services will be held on Thursday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Kevin Strempke. All current and former medical staff are asked to participate in the Nightingale Tribute during services. Judy chose cremation for her final arrangements, and no graveside services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, Refuge International, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
