Charlene Griesser Reese

Charlene G. Reese, age 94, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas with her family nearby. She was born April 21, 1929 in Bryan, Texas to Etta Mae Williams and Charles Emil Griesser.

Charlene was a joy in our lives as a cherished daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her unwavering love for God, family, friends, and life resonated deeply, and we will forever hold her dear in our hearts.

Born and raised in Bryan, TX, she graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. Charlene found solace in the unique charm of her small Texas town. Growing up during the era of World War II, she experienced the contrast of life's innocence alongside the hardships of that period. As a young girl, Charlene's grandparents were deeply rooted in the community and they owned and operated a bakery, which now stands as the historic building known as "CSPS Lodge-Griesser Bakery." Her father served as the Bryan Fire Chief for many years, established himself as the town's first licensed electrician and owned an appliance store. With this foundation, Charlene embodied the spirit of a typical small-town girl, surrounded by the patriots and heroes being forged during that tumultuous time in America.

During that time, one of the distinguished institutions that imparted military leadership and discipline to those who attended and successfully graduated was the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. One of those graduates was her future husband, First Lieutenant Calvin Reese, who later became an Aggie cadet counselor involved with the Freshmen Drill Team. Calvin served several years in that capacity and always managed to bring a few, and sometimes many, cadets to their home to enjoy weekend time as part of the Reese extended family and earned Charlene the name “Mother of the Fish Drill Team”. These fellowships forged several lifelong relationships which survived Calvin’s passing and enduring up to Charlene’s passing.

Calvin's military dedication also extended to the Air Force Reserve, leading Charlene and their family to be stationed at various bases such as F.E. Warren AFB, WY, Ellington AFB, TX, and Warner Robbins AFB, where Calvin retired as a Colonel. Eventually, they settled in San Antonio, where Calvin also retired as a GS Civil Servant from the Civil Engineering Group at Randolph AFB.

Throughout their years in San Antonio, Charlene pursued her passions, earning her real estate license and finding joy in gardening and decorative toile painting. Time spent with friends and family was always treasured. Charlene's love for music led her to sing in the choirs of Trinity Baptist, Shearer Hills Baptist, Rolling Oaks Baptist, and Northeast Baptist Churches. In 1988, alongside a group of families, Charlene and Calvin helped establish a mission church, which began in a humble strip center and grew to be Rolling Oaks Baptist Church, where Calvin served as a Deacon. Even during the challenges of COVID, Charlene found solace and began attending church services at Madison Hills Baptist Church, which at the time conducted parking lot services due to Covid.

Charlene and Calvin's unwavering faith in God shaped their lives, and through their Christian fellowship, they honored their family and friends. We thank you God for the privilege of allowing them to be with us for this short time here on earth.

Charlene, we will always remember and cherish the love, compassion, and faith you embodied. You inspire us to embrace life's joys, seek solace in the bonds of family and friendship, and prioritize our connection with God. May you find eternal peace knowing the profound impact you had on our lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 51 years, Col Calvin Reese, USAF (Ret.); son, Randall Reese and daughter in law, Cynthia Reese; granddaughter Amanda Reese; and brother, Robert Griesser. Charlene is survived by her son, Charles “Chuck” Reese (Elizabeth); daughter, Marcia Reese (Ed Guerrero); sisters, Del Arnold and Diane Wolfington; as well as granddaughter Natalie Van Rensburg (Nick); grandson Jonathan Reese (Libby); and great grandchildren Amy Rose, Zoey, Avery, Kalea, Kian, and Eleanor, and extended family members.

MEMORIAL SERVICEFRIDAY, JULY 21, 202310:30 AMMADISON HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH15413 O’CONNOR RD., SAN ANTONIO, TX 78247

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to Madison Hills Baptist Church in Memory of Charlene Reese. Charlene would be honored by it.