Shirley (Wilkerson) Reese

On Saturday, November 6th 2021, Shirley Jane Wilkerson Reese entered into rest. She is preceded in death by her husband Billy Reese, who gave her some of the happiest 26 years of her life; her sister Barbara Wheeler, who was not only her sister, but a beloved friend; her beloved daughter Tara Leigh White; and her loved grandson Austin Gray. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee on June 8th, 1936, she graduated from Rule High School in Knoxville. She retired from Walmart in Vidalia, Georgia after working there for 20 years as a Department Manager. She was not only known as the cool mom and grandma, but was the strong, independent anchor that held her family together through some of the most challenging times. While never shy to speak her mind, her heart was full of compassion, and she was not afraid to impart her wisdom, even if sometimes it had love in the form of her cantankerous expression signature evil side eye, shake of her finger, or sharp remark. But much of her wisdom was dispersed in moments spent with her laughing in the experiences shared and in the love that emanated from everything she did.

She is survived by her children: Robert (Rob) White Jr. and his wife Candance; Stephanie White; and Amanda (Mandy) White Ruzansky and her husband Dan; her stepdaughter Christy Reese-Little and husband Brendon; seven beloved grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Debra Fields and her husband Wendell; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and cousins.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home.  

The funeral service will be Wednesday, November 10th, at 3:00 PM in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home with Reverend Terry Wells officiating.  Burial will follow at Tarrytown City Cemetery.

The family asks that if you prefer, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in her memory, at stjude.org

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