Ms. Claudette Irene Carter-Reese

Ms. Claudette Irene Carter-Reese, a devoted child of God and the beloved matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025, while under the compassionate care of the medical staff at HCA Brandon Medical Center in Brandon, Florida. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, 8119 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619, with Senior Pastor Eugene Garnett Sr., Officiating. Interment will follow in Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511.

Ms. Claudette Irene Carter-Rees was born in Taft, Oklahoma, to to Francis (Frankie) Sanders Cole and George William Carter, and was lovingly raised during her early years by her grandmother, Anna Canady Banks.

Ms. Reese carried Godly love in both her heart and her hands. She loved as Christ loves—steadfast, selfless, and gentle—living out the truth of “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Her kindness was a quiet sermon and her service a living prayer, reflecting the promise that “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Through her unwavering grace, she revealed God’s enduring love to all whose lives she touched.

Ms. Reese was educated within the public school system of Fort Smith, Arkansas, graduating from Lincoln High School. She continued her studies at Westark College/University of Arkansas and Medical Business College, where she majored in Human Development. Her commitment to education reflected her lifelong dedication to caring for and uplifting others. She was a former member of the Red Hat Society and Tau Pi Zeta Amicae, Southeastern.

She served as a social worker for various agencies in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Tampa, Florida, dedicating her career to supporting individuals and families in need. Ms. Reese retired from The Spring of Tampa Bay, where she was employed for more than 20 years. A true nurturer, she provided mentorship, guidance, and training to countless women and children, leaving a lasting impact on the lives she touched.

A woman of deep faith, Ms. Reese was a former member of Ninth Street Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she worshiped faithfully for ten years, and (New First Union Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida. Prior to her illness, she was a devoted and active member of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida, where she proudly served on the Pastor’s Aide Board.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Carter and Francis (Frankie) Cole; her grandmother, Anna Cannady Banks; her husband, James T. Reese Jr.; her son, James T. Reese III; and her brothers, Donald Cole and Rueben Cole Jr.

Ms. Reese leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Deadrea Sampson (Daniel Sanders), Jamelyn Reese (Rodger Geathers), Frances Reese-Seeger (Jeffrey), and Michelle Reese; and her beloved niece, Jacquelyn Reese. She is also survived by her brothers, James Cole (Deborah) and Kenneth Cole, both of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and her aunt, Reba Campbell of Van Buren, Arkansas.

Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Jessica Richards (Jason), Detrich Sampson (Crystal Klopschinski), Blair Reese-Cohen, Alexja Flanning (Antlyasia), Anika Geathers, Adrian Flanning (Kendra), and Jazmine Flanning. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Christopher Tompkins, Jordan Sampson, Blair Reese, Jr., Aubri Reese, Bryson Reese, Brylee Reese, Carter Sampson, Bri’Aire Reese, Beylii Richards, Xiamora Flanning, Skye Travan, and Adrian Flanning, Jr., Jordan F. Sampson and Michael R. Sampson. 

Ms. Reese is further survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, Mrs. Essie Parker, Mrs. Bernice Giddens, and Mrs. Brenda Reese-Brown, all of whom were touched by her kindness, strength, and unwavering love.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33606. 

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.
www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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