Elizabeth "Boots" (Goodwin) Reese

On Friday, the 14th of December 2018, Elizabeth Reese, our “Bootsie,” went peacefully to heaven to be reunited with the love of her life, George, and all her precious loved ones who have gone before her.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and friend to many. Boots never met a stranger and enjoyed trying new things and new places.

Born in Tyler on the 23rd of September 1932, she and her family soon moved to rural East Texas near Lufkin. Being raised on a farm with a large family and modest means laid the foundation for a life long appreciation of family, hard work, education and faith. While attending college at Stephen F. Austin, she met her soulmate George. Soon thereafter, he was afflicted with polio and despite the odds, Boots left school to take care of him in Houston. They quickly married in 1953 and began their lives together until his untimely death in 1982. She stayed loyal and loving to him until her own passing.

The couple returned to East Texas where Boots obtained her Bachelor of Education degree from SFA. Upon returning to Houston, she began her career with HISD in 1961 and served in many capacities as coach, teacher and administrator. After retiring in 1994, she dedicated her time to her family, friends, clubs, charities and her church, St. Paul Presbyterian.

Boots adored flamboyant outfits, audacious accessories, and would always dress and decorate for the occasion. For many years, she and one of her dearest friends, Margaret “Tiny” Wisdom, were the source of much fun and adventure for all who knew them. Boots loved to be the center of attention and made sure all were having fun in her midst. Even when cancer infected her body, she was the epitome of strength and determination. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Reese Sr.; her parents, Roy A. and Mary M. Goodwin of Lufkin; her sister, Irma O’Bryan and brother, Gerald Goodwin.

Boots is survived by her sons, George A. Reese, Jr. and his wife Jacqui, R. Randolph Reese and daughter-in-law Judy, Bart A. Reese and his wife Mary; grandchildren, Sarah Reese Safier and her husband Andrew, Mackenzie, Braxton, Brittney, Grace and Kaeden; great-grandson, Gaines; siblings, Royce Goodwin, Mary Jo Morris, Sue Raney, and Betty Gulledge and her husband Ron; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of her life is to be conducted at half-past twelve o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 21st of December, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.

Prior to the services, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Boots’ name be directed to The Texas Gulf Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 5433 Westheimer Rd., Suite #300, Houston, TX 77056.