Barbara Joan Reese, 84, of Alma, went home to Heaven on Monday, June 25, 2018. She was born January 2, 1934 in her home in Havana, Arkansas. She was a breech baby delivered by her father, the late Charles Robert Hignight and mother, Caroline Elizabeth Barber Hignight.
Barbara loved playing basketball for Havana High School and after graduation moved to Fort Smith where she worked as a nanny for Dr. Moulton’s family that lived in the historic Bonneville House while she attended Draughon’s Business College. During this time, she met a young soldier from Mars Hill, Maine, Buddy Reese, stationed at Fort Chaffee on his way to fight in the Korean War. After a short engagement, the two were married for 62 years.
After graduating from Business College Barbara worked at Dixie Cup and was tasked to run one of the first IBM payroll machines.
Barbara enjoyed gardening, loved being outside and watching nature, and especially loved her little dogs.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Buddy Reese; sisters, Arlene Hignight and Lois Joynelle Hignight; a grandson, Kevin Ray Reese; and a daughter-in-law, Rubette Reese.
She is survived by four children, Linal Reese Jr. of Lebanon, Missouri, Lanny Reese and companion Laurie Seubold of Mulberry, Lance Reese and wife Cathy of Van Buren, and Amy Catterton and husband Michael of Columbus, Georgia; a sister, Bobbie Grace Burrows of Havana, Arkansas; her dear friend and caregiver, Tabitha Young of Mountainburg; thirteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2018 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery to be laid to rest with her husband, Buddy, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Reese, Dylan Reese, Tristan Catterton, and Michael Catterton.
The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
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