One of Rosenberg's celebrated residents, Joan Reese (94), passed away Friday, June 19, 2020, at 12:10 AM in Sugar Land, TX, of a bone infection and Covid-19.

Born Kathryn Joan Parrott on October 11, 1925, in Belton, TX, to Samuel Basil Parrott (deceased) and Mary Olive Zachry Parrott (deceased). She was the youngest of 5 children: George Baynard Parrott (deceased), Mary Etta Parrott Pearson (deceased), Alonza Dawson Parrott (deceased), and Samuel Basil Parrott Jr. (deceased).

Joan and Travis Reese (deceased) began courting in 1944 and were engaged the next year at Christmas. They married February 14, 1946, at Austin Avenue Methodist Church in Waco, TX . They worked as dorm parents at Hart Hall in College Station until he graduated.

Their children include Connie Lea Reese Blessitt (Larry), who lived 38 years in northwest Houston and now in Rosenberg, and Randy Travis Reese (deceased) (Debra Elaine Hoff) lived in Houston, TX and Billings, Montana. After Randy's death, Debbie remarried (Brian Newton) and they live in Austin, TX.

Their grandchildren include: Robert Lee Blessitt (Austin), Ashley Brooke Reese Newton Harper (Cole) of Dripping Springs, and Nicolette Elaine Newton (Austin). Her great granddaughter is Ellis Reese Harper. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, all living in the Dallas and Sugar Land areas.

Reese was an officer in the Parent-Teacher Association and home room mother several times at Travis Elementary School in Rosenberg. In addition, she was the corresponding secretary in the Rosenberg Women's Club, president of the Christian Women's Fellowship, and Volunteer of the Year for her work at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum. Joan was also a member of the Fort Bend County Museum, The Dance Club, The Garden Club, and the Downtown Rosenberg Revitalization Association.

As an influential leader in the Central Christian Church, her first love in Rosenberg was the church and her church family. Her second love was the Rosenberg Railroad Museum and its volunteers. She was awarded the Volunteer of the Year. Along with others, Joan was also celebrated as one of Rosenberg's Treasures for her years of work in the community.

A special thanks goes out to Lynn Cox (Rosenberg) who was their home care-taker and cook for 15 years and to Richard Welch and his family (Needville) taking care of their home, weekend home, and business adventures for many, many years.

She wanted her care-givers to know how much she appreciated their kindness and love. Ara, of Clayton Oaks Living; Stella, of Kobi Health Services; and Tony, of Fairmont Hospice (all of Richmond).

A Graveside service directed by Thomas Culver of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, will be held for FAMILY ONLY at Davis Greenlawn Cemetery on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Rev. John Oliver of Central Christian Church/Rosenberg will officiate.

Memorial donations may be given in her memory to Central Christian Church, 5015 Mustang Avenue/Rosenberg, TX 77471, or to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, 1921 Avenue F/Rosenberg, TX 77471 .

Condolence messages may be written for the family at www.garmanycarden.com , or sent by mail to the Reese home.

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.