Maude W. Reese, 84, of Raleigh, died May 15, 2018 at the Transition Lifecare Hospice in Raleigh. Mrs. Reese was born in Reese, NC during the “Great Depression”. She graduated from Bethel High School in 1952 and entered Appalachian College where she graduated in three years with a teaching degree. Her first teaching assignment was in Harrisburg in Cabarrus County in 1955 where she taught for three years. In June of 1958, she married Clint Reese and they moved to Tryon, NC. She was employed by the Polk County School system and taught ninth and tenth grades for two years in Saluda. In 1960, Clint and Maude moved to Lexington, KY. She was employed by the Fayette County School system and taught fifth grade for three years at Mary Todd School in Lexington.
In 1964, Clint and Maude moved to Cary. Mrs. Reese stayed out of teaching for two years and started teaching seventh grade at Cary Middle School in 1966. In 1970, she became an assistant principal. In 1974, she became principal of Cary Elementary School system and remained until 1988, when she retired. During her time as an assistant principal she completed a Master of Education degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Mrs. Reese was in the educational system for thirty years before retiring. She was at Cary Elementary School for 22 years and served 14 years as principal. She received recognition as Principal of the Year and a certificate from the National Reference Institute of Washington, D.C. for inclusion in “Who’s Who in American Education.”
Mrs. Reese was a member of First Baptist Church, Cary, NC. She taught and was an adult departmental director. She sang in the church choir until dementia interrupted her normal functions of activities. She served on a Pastor Search Committee. She belonged to the Gideon’s Auxiliary and served as president. She was not shy in telling others the joy of knowing Jesus Christ.
In retirement, she traveled to several countries, including: Russia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel, France, Japan, Brazil, Mexico and Canada. She also helped administrate the National School Testing program for three years in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. She ran her own travel agency for a short time. She was also a member of the Carolina Harmony Chorus for many years.
Survivors include: husband, Clint Reese, Sr., Raleigh, two sons, Clint Jr., Raleigh, Barry (Michelle), Apex, and daughter, Dolores Metz, (Louis), Fayetteville. Four grandchildren, Kristina Metz, High Point University, Carrie Metz, NC State University, Jessica and Noah Reese of the home in Apex, One brother, Ivan Wilson (Peggy), Boone and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be May 19th at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church in Cary. Visitation with family will be immediately after the service in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be at Raleigh Memorial Park.
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary is handling the funeral arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.BrownWynneCary.com.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorials and donations be made to the following: Kate Swift Reese Educational Scholarship Fund at Watauga Education Foundation, PO Box 1790, Boone, NC 28607. The Gideon’s International and the Transitions Lifecare of Wake County.
The family of Mrs. Reese wishes to thank Susan Davis, Sylvia Weathers and Cora Bright for helping to care for Maude during the past four years. Their help has been invaluable.
Proverbs 31:25&28: Strength and honor are her clothing and her children arise and call her blessed.
