Born August 31, 1932, in Pampa, Texas. She was the daughter of Ruth and John R. Spearman, Sr. and sister of John R. Spearman, Jr. She married Jay Rodney Reese on June 19, 1965, in Pampa, Texas. She was the proud mother of Jay Rodney Reese, Jr. and Sharon Ann Reese Niebuhr. She was a loving and proud grandmother to Madison Reese Niebuhr and Nina Ann Niebuhr. She lived a life dedicated to her family and the community in which she loved and lived.
Nina graduated from Pampa High School, where she was a member of Tri Hi Y, Radio Speech Club, Latin Club, Quill and Scroll and National Honor Society. She was a member of multiple choirs throughout high school, including the Acapella Choir. She was presented as Choir Queen at the Highlander Festival in Dallas her senior year.
After graduating from Pampa High School, she received her BS in Education from Texas Tech University. While at Texas Tech, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Alpha Chi and Mortar Board. She was President of Horn Hall and Secretary of the Student Council. She was selected as Outstanding Woman Student, Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, Who’s Who on Campus and All College Recognition.
Nina worked as a music and art teacher after graduating from college and was beloved by the children and families she served. She also worked for Sabena Belgian World Airlines and as a manager for the Neiman Marcus Travel Service, where she made many new friends and met her husband. She eloquently refused his courtship until the business relationship concluded.
Nina exuded a rare beauty and grace that will eternally bless those who were fortunate enough to know and love her. Her unique beauty was matched by her kindness and artistic talent. She used her talents and unforgettable je ne sais quoi to explore the world and share it with others. She spent many of her days designing jewelry, painting, writing poetry and singing in the church choir. She leaves behind a legacy of remarkable paintings.
Nina was a committed volunteer and leader in her community. Nina served as President of many organizations including, Tri Delta Alumni Chapter, Mortar Board Alumni, Cadence Dance Club, Shakespeare Study Club, and Les Femmes du Monde. She served on the Board of Directors for Baylor University Medical Center Foundation, Sammons Cancer Center, and Tri Delta Charity Antiques Show. Nina was actively involved in multiple organizations in her community, including Dallas Council on World Affairs, Women’s Board of the Dallas Opera, Women’s Committee of Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Museum of Art League, Nexus, Adagio, Fort Worth Dallas Ballet, Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, Mary K. Craig Class, St. Michael and All Angels Church, Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Arboretum, A.W.A.R.E., Kidney Foundation, and Friday Forum.
Nina was a member of the International Poetry Hall of Fame and a Distinguished member of the International Society of Poets. In 1995 and 1996, she was nominated for Poet of the Year and received three Editor’s Choice Awards.
Nina and her husband, Jay, were advocates and supporters of the Edna Gladney Center in Fort Worth. The Nina Reese Counseling Center was a fundamental part of Edna Gladney’s original campus.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.
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