Lithonia,

Janelle Hilton Reese, 71, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2016, in the Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lithonia following a lengthy battle with neuromuscular dystrophy. Janelle was born on September 12, 1944, in Vidalia, to Leon John and Daisy Dixon Hilton. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, Janelle graduated from Montgomery County High School. She began her career in textile manufacturing at the Globe Manufacturing Center where she met her husband of forty-five years, Arthur Lee Reese, who recently preceded her in death. She worked as a seamstress facing pockets in the textile factories of Vidalia for many years often earning weekly high producer awards at Oxford and other companies.

Mrs. Reese was a faithful Christian, being a member of various church families during her life, including Tabernacle Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church where she led the youth group and prepared Sunday bulletins, and Higgston Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Reese is preceded in death by her brother Cecil William “Bill” Hilton; a sister Chera Ann Hilton; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth E. Harwell. 

Mrs. Reese is remembered for her devotion to her husband, her love for reading, and her interest in leading youth at church. She was an avid collector of Santa Clauses – loving the joy that Christmas symbol brought. She will be remembered for her strength and will to survive and for standing up for those she loved.

Mrs. Reese is survived by a sister, Sharon Hilton Harwell; nephew, Kenneth Hilton Harwell; two nieces Karen Harwell and Kathryn Harwell McLeroy and husband Todd; and a god-daughter Mandi Gibbs Soles and husband Rodney.

The graveside service will be held Thursday, April 21st a 3:00 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens with Reverend Gene Helton officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday afternoon from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m.       then proceed to the cemetery.

Flower memorials are welcome at the visitation and graveside service; however, memorial gifts may also be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (http://alzfdn.org/).

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