Billie Jean Reese's Obituary
Billie Jean Reese, 71, of Cookson, Oklahoma, crossed over into the next life on August 14, 2014. She was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on January 31, 1943, the daughter of Cleo and Robert Pierce. Following her graduation from Sallisaw High School, Billie enrolled at Northeastern Oklahoma State University where she earned a Bachelors in Science degree, and a Masters of School Administration degree. She was a consummate teacher that always took time with young people, who always walked away having learned something new. She was patient and caring, fun loving, strong willed, and independent. She was always fair and never backed down from tough decisions. She was proud of her heritage, and kept the memory of her ancestors alive for future generations. On February 10, 1962, she married Geauwana Reese, the love of her life, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Billie always knew how to get the best out of her husband. She initially got his attention by serving him the biggest steak each day, while going through the cafeteria line in college. She was one tough lady, both in school athletics and life in general. Her friends said she was a lady warrior. Billie was an outstanding female athlete at Northeastern State University. She started the girls basketball program at Claremore and within only a couple of years the team was undefeated. She won awards in numerous sports through high school and college, having been voted the best female athlete of the year at NSU. During her tenure as administration of Cherokee, N.C. middle school, she lead the school to one of the highest proficiency ratings in the state, a feat that has yet to be surpassed. She was chosen by the Indian Education Director for the state of Oklahoma, and served as the Field Reader for screening school applications regarding Indian Education. Billie became the first Title IV Indian Education Director of Coweta Public Schools, and established the first pow wow sponsored by Coweta Public Schools. She has done most everything during her 36 year career in public education – from driving the busses, teaching, coaching, and numerous administrative positions. During her time in Sheldon Point, Alaska, she was so loved by the local village, she was asked to serve as tribal chief of the village. Among all of her other accomplishments, she was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star of Oklahoma, and she was a licensed ham radio operator. Her family, faith, and friends were most important to her on this earth. We have lost another blessed native elder who could be seen at pow wows in and out of the state. Billie is survived by her husband, children, Troy Reese, of Tulsa, Tonya Reese Ashcraft, and her husband, Kenny, of Weatherford, OK, four grandchildren, Megan Hope Reese, Perry Ashcraft, Tyler Ashcraft, and Leah Ashcraft, three great-grandchildren, Ryley, Dexter, and Aubree, and numerous other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Denver Glass, and Bobby Pierce, and sister, Emma Sue Pierce. 143 …1433
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