Shirley Ann Wilson Reese
Shirley Ann Wilson Reese, 91, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
She was a faithful member of Central United Methodist Church in Salem, Va., where she participated in the Business Women’s Circle and taught Sunday School for many years. Reading her through her Bible numerous times was one of her greatest accomplishments.
Preceding her in death were her sisters, Ruth Agee and Ada King; and brothers, Jimmy Wilson and Johnny Wilson.
Her surviving family includes her beloved husband of 67 years, Walter (Don) Reese; children, David Reese and wife, Sandy, and Neal Reese and wife, Penny; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
A period of visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Central United Methodist Church in Salem, Va., with Pastor Bryan Buckles officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church in Salem, Va. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
“THE ROSE STILL GROWS BEYOND THE WALL”
By A.L. Frink
Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding its sweetness day and night.
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
Through which there shone a beam of light.
Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride.
It followed the light through the crevice's length
And unfolded itself on the other side.
The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before;
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.
Shall claim of death cause us to grieve,
And make our courage faint or fail?
Nay! Let us faith and hope receive:
The rose still grows beyond the wall.
Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will for evermore.
