Dorothy Lee Reece

COOLIDGE - Dorothy Lee Reece, 64, died on March 28, 2017.

Ms. Reece was born on April 21, 1952, in Randolph to Lunie B. and Bernice (Fulsom) Reece, the second of five children. She spent her childhood in Randolph surrounded by family and lifelong friends. She attended elementary school at Kenilworth School and then Coolidge High School. She became a mother at 14, and at 18, she lost her mother and took on the responsibility of raising her three younger brothers along with her own two children. She was unable to complete her high school education but later earned a GED.

Sports were a big part of her life. While in school she ran track, played volleyball, basketball and softball and was a cheerleader. As an adult she enjoyed participating in the adult recreation leagues, with softball her favorite. As a mother and "Granny," she was her children and grandchildren's biggest fan. She rarely missed an event and was well heard in the stands. She worked for the state of Arizona in several positions and retired as a supervisor in 2001. She worked at Arizona Training Program at Coolidge for 27 years and established lasting relationships with co-workers and clients. She sometimes brought her clients home and would take her children to holiday functions and other events at the center.

She married twice and had a third child. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and attended several churches but ultimately became a member of New Hope Church of God in Christ. She enjoyed travel, being on the road and spending time with family and friends outside of Arizona. She loved to sing and listen to music, especially gospel, as well as watch home shopping channels and Food Network. Her biggest passion was shopping at thrift stores, swap meets and yard sales. Her friend Shirley Jackson was like a sister to her.

Survivors include two sons, Anthony Moore and Jimmy A. Wheeler; a daughter, Ebony J. Rutledge; four brothers, Jimmy D. Reece, Floyd L. Reece Sr., Paul B. Reece Sr. and Rudolph Larkin; stepchildren; her special male companion, Isaac Dearing Sr.; and four grandchildren.

Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at New Life Christian Center, with funeral following at 11. Burial at 2 in Heritage Valley Memorial Park.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel in charge of arrangements.