Marilyn Jerome Reece-Baker

Marilyn Jerome Reece, affectionately known as “Romey”, was born in Houston, Texas on February 10, 1953, to elated parents, Herman and Alcenia Reece. Landing in a Christian home she was quickly immersed into “all things church.” She accepted Christ and began her faith journey at the Hill Zion Baptist Church where she was baptized by Rev. R. L. Archield.

She attended Houston ISD schools; Brock Elementary, Hogg Middle School and graduated from Reagan High School. Romey had a special love for babies and a huge heart for helping everybody. This thread of loving service led to employment at Louie Welch Daycare and Small Steps Academy. Following her dad’s lead, she worked diligently during voting season and other civic and neighborhood pursuits.

Romey possessed a specific assignment to take care of and spoil humans. If you knew her, you knew she had the heart of a true servant. She also loved cats and treated them like humans as well. She found great joy spending quality time with her granddaughter Bayle (also fond of cats) and prize felines “Boots and Dutchess.” Despite countless changes, health and life shifts, teardowns, rebuilds and total community makeovers, history holds that 1113 Bingham Street survived the many tumultuous storms of time. This is the house where Marilyn provided superior medical care for immediate family members… (mother, father, son Romeo) and several others. It also served as a loving daycare environment for family members and friends for well over three decades. This was the house for family parties in the backyard (planned or not); the hair braiding station and the after church gathering scene. It was that “one stop shop” for any need, large or small, 24/7, no questions asked…and Marilyn’s thread of care held it all together.

Over the years that followed the death of her mother, father and son, Romey entered a season of illness that required continual and consistent medical attention. She met each challenge with remarkable strength, courage and endurance. She often baffled doctors and nurses who would remark: “she is one tough fighter.”

In the early morning stillness on December 10, 2025, the creator reclaimed his creation and her long traveled journey came to an end.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. - II Timothy 4:7

Romey was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Alcenia Reece; son, Romeo; brother Herman (Tuby); and sisters Elsie Dianne Franklin and Tilda Joyce Keels.

Many are left to cherish her memory, namely her loving and attentive daughter Carmen Brooks (Roderick); Siblings: Shirley Waltersdorf (Frank); Cleotis Reece (Diane); Linda Reece Whitaker (James); Melba Cloud; Virginia Oliver (Anthony); Calvin Reece and Lucretia Lewis (Loyd). Grandchildren Romeo Reece, Jr., Bayle Brooks, Roderick Brooks, II, and James Chestnut IV (Alyssa). Great grandchildren Jade Reece, Sarai and James Chestnut V. Sisters-in-Law Sandra Brooks-Reece and Diane Reece. Sisters-in-Love Hilda Clemons and Suzy Philip. Kamdyn now joins the loving and growing host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and First Ward community partners.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

- II Corinthians 5:8