Mildred Lyons Reese

1918 - 2023

Mildred Lyons Reese departed this life on January 31, 2023 in Evans, Georgia at the age of 104 years old. She was born on July 28, 1918 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Eleanor Emily Carter Lyons and Colman Lyons. A life-long resident of the city, she relocated to Augusta, Georgia in 2005 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Mildred was married to Lorenzo J. Reese, a teacher and administrator on November 11, 1948 until his death on May 3, 1993. She was a graduate of McDonough 35 High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University and Master of Science in Social Work from Atlanta University. She also completed post graduate work at Columbia University and Tulane University. A retired educator, she was employed by the Orleans Parish School Board and served as principal of Fisk Elementary School and Marie E. Couvent Elementary School, Assistant Principal of McDonough 35 High School, and school social worker. While residing in New Orleans, Mildred was a member of Tulane Memorial Baptist Church and was very involved in her church community. After moving to Augusta, she became a member of Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church where she continued her legacy of service into her 90s. Mildred served on a variety of community boards including YMCA, Urban League, League of Women Voters, the New Orleans Council on Aging, Bright School for the Deaf, and the New Orleans Planning Commission. She was the recipient of numerous awards which recognized both her professional accomplishments and her outstanding community service. While she led a very active life Mildred still found time to author two books - America and Us and co-authored Successful African American Males: Teachers Make a Difference. She was a life member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and the Atlanta University Alumni Association. Mildred is survived by her niece, Dr. Ruth E. Neal, nephew, Rev. Dr. George W. C. Lyons, Jr. (LaCrechia), nieces, Leahlette Lyons Williams, Aletha Lyons Johnson (Calvin), Marceline Lyons, Jeannette Zellars (Calvin), goddaughter, Vera Warren Williams (Dr. Garry), and godson, Dr. Brett Lee. Mildred is also survived by a host of loving family and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 11:00am at Tulane Memorial Baptist Church, Internment at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association or the Mildred Lyons Reese Scholarship, established by Mrs. Reese to provide students access to higher education opportunities. Donations can be sent to The Mildred Lyons Reese Scholarship, c/o Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church, 703 Fury's Ferry Road, Evans, Georgia 30809.