Virgie Lee Reese
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In the early morning hour, on May 6, 2022, surrounded by family, Virgie Lee Reese, 90, departed this life and entered into glory after being diagnosed, a year ago, with colorectal cancer resulting in heart failure.
While many knew her by the name, Sally Faye, she was affectionately called "Momz" by her grandchildren, and many friends, as well as, Missus Reese by others; respectfully.
Virgie was born on October 10, 1931 in Dermott Arkansas to Virgil Walton and Grace Meade Walton.
It was a time later that her mother, Grace, then married Warner B. Jordan; a wonderful husband, and nurturing father to both her and 'Brother' who she pronounced as 'Boodah'... thus becoming his nickname.
Virgie met Hammond Reese Junior, the love of her life, in 1947 on Grant Ave, in Oxnard. They later married February of 1949. Through this union they had five children and were married for thirty-three years up until the time of his death in August of 1982.
About the fall of 1959 Virgie joined and became a member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church where she received the Lord Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was water baptized. Many years later she joined St. Paul Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until the time she was unable to attend due to health issues.
Besides being the loving and devoted wife and mother that she was, Virgie also worked for a length of time as a housekeeper employed at St John's Hospital in the late fifties.
In June of 1968 she, along with her husband, opened a restaurant business on Hayes Avenue, in the Colonia area of Oxnard, called Reese's BBQ Pit, where she as business owner for 14 years.
One of Virgie's greatest gifts was the richness of her beautiful contralto voice she used praising the Lord's name. And with this talent, in late 1990 through early 2000's, she became part of a singing group of five women, Billy, Johnny, Ollie May, Annie May, and Sally Faye, the "Gospel Stars".
She will fondly be remembered for her loving-kindness and a big smile she extended to everyone she knew and loved... and to even the stranger.
She enjoyed cooking at home and on holidays. Some of her favorite soul-food dishes were collard greens, yams, fried chicken, corn bread, chili beans, corn beef n' cabbage, macaroni and cheese, shrimp and catfish, not to mention tacos on Tuesday and Chile Verde or menudo many times on Sundays.
She found no better time to enjoy these moments, as much, as she did with gatherings that filled the room with laughter, dancing, and singing to celebrate life with her children and grandchildren, relatives and friends!
Last but not least, Virgie enjoyed the company and was a member of the 'Way Back When' (WBW) Social Club which was organized in 1996, founded by her long-time friend Joyce Pinkard, where she remained treasurer until the day she passed; for 23 years up until the time of the Pandemic of 2019.
On October 10, 2021 Virgie celebrated her 90th birthday. On that day not only was a milestone to celebrate her life, but also, she was thrilled to hear news of her first great-great grandson being born, on the very same day!
She is preceded in death by her brothers, John Walton (Walkie-Talkie) and David R. Anderson (Gwen). She leaves to mourn sons: Charles E. Marion, Roland L. Reese (Romaine), Hammond Reese III, daughters: Vernell Reese, Denise Levette (Darnell-deceased), Librel Ann Sanford, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and a tribe of cousins, nephews, nieces, neighbors and friends.
Our family would like to extend a warm thanks to Usha, Anjali, Gabriel and their incredible staff at Community Care and Hospice. "We grew to love you and Mama Virgie did, too!"
Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 9:00pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Garcia Mortuary, 629 South A Street, Oxnard, California. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will begin at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at New Trinity Community Church, 1800 Camino Del Sol #5, Oxnard, California. Interment to follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, California.
For map, directions to ceremony locations, to sign the family's online guest book, share stories, and post pictures please visit www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com and click on Virgie's name below "Obituaries."
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the family owned and operated Garcia Mortuary, 629 South "A" Street, Oxnard, California. For further information please call (805) 486-9148.