Susan E. Reese

Feb. 26, 2010

NEWPORT -- Susan E. Reese, of Parrottsville, died Feb. 26.

Her family stated, "She was the beloved wife for 41 years of Walter D. Reese. She lost her 18-month battle with cancer, and went to be with her Lord.

Mrs. Reese was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Annunciation in Newport, and an associate member of St. James Lutheran Church, Greeneville, where she served as a member of the Altar Guild, and was a founding member of Appalachian Helping Hands community service organization for Cocke and Greene County residents in need.

She was a member of the Nolachuckey Ruritan Club and served several years as its treasurer.

Mrs. Reese was born in Oakland, Calif., and was a daughter of the late Dr. Merle H. Elliot and Doris M. Elliott. She was a graduate of the University of California, with a bachelor of science degree in education, and had lifetime credentials to teach K through 12 in the State of California.

She taught elementary education in the Ukiah School District in California, became a U.S. Department of Defense teacher in Yokohama, Japan, and Karamursel, Turkey, where she met and married her husband.

Mrs. Reese taught for the DoD in Misawa, Japan, from 1979 through 1982. Upon her return to the U.S., she was an English as a second language (ESL) teacher for the York Suburban and West York School Districts in York County, Pa. She provided private tutoring for Cocke County elementary students following her move to Tennessee in 2001.

The family provided the following statement: "Susan had friends all over the world, and was loved by all who knew her. Although, by and large, a private person who resisted the spotlight, she was nevertheless known by many for her warm, supportive presence.

"She will also be remembered as one who gave of herself, constantly, to help others, both educationally and charitably."

In addition to her husband, survivors include her daughter: Dr. Danielle K. Reese, of Somerville, Mass.; her sister: Mrs. Charles Mack of Woodland, Calif.; her brother: Hugh D. Elliott of Crawfordville, Fla.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The body will be interred in Pine Grove Cemetery in Appleton, Maine, near her family farm, following a memorial ceremony to be held in late May.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.