Ms. Merlee Reese

Services for Ms. Merlee Reese will be held on Friday May 24, 2019 at 1:00 pm at A. A. Dicks Funeral Home. Merlee Reese, the eldest daughter of the late Van “Red” and Clara McCory Sanders, was born on October 16, 1937, in Winnsboro, South Carolina. She entered into eternal rest on May 16, 2019 in Chapin, South Carolina. Ms. Reese was educated in the Public Schools of Richland County, South Carolina. Merlee started her family early in Columbia, SC and later moved to Braddock, Pennsylvania. While in Braddock, she worked for several years as a domestic worker. She later joined the staff at McGee Women’s Hospital, and worked her last post as a supply clerk until her position was furloughed after twenty-three years, due to the hospital downsizing. She maintained a strong work ethic and moved back South Carolina and was quickly gained employment at Richland Memorial Hospital, currently known as Prisma Health Richland Hospital, where she retired after 30 years. She was a faithful member of The Greater St. Luke Baptist Church where she served on the Jubilee Choir. Merlee will be remembered as a kind, sweet, caring and nurturing woman with a contagious smile. Her son affectionately nicknamed her “Florence Nightingale”. She was preceded in death by her parents: her first husband, Cleave Riley and her second husband, Earnest Reese; three sisters, Mickey, Ozetta S. Patterson and Lillie Mae Capers; brothers, Preston, Ralph, and William Sanders; a son-in-law, Clayton . Merlee is survived by her two children : a son, Julius Sanders and Shambra Worthy; a grandson, Matthew Sanders and had guardianship of her nephew, Antonio Rivers. twelve sisters & brothers, Roberta Randell, Christina Sanders, Patricia Kelly, Lamont Anderson, Donald Sanders, Cheryl Sanders, Linda Sanders, Darrell Sanders, Robert Sanders, Lesa Sanders, Rickie Sanders and Richie Sanders, Sr.; two aunts, Mattie Turner, Liz Best; a brother in law, John Patterson, Sr.; her care provider and longtime friend, Jennifer Javis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Merlee was loved by all who came to know her and she will be sorely missed. As she takes her eternal rest, may the love of God enfold her. With love, your son, Julius.

Ms. Merlee Reese

October 16, 1937 - May 16, 2019