Ora Jean Reece

Mrs. Ora Jean Reece, “Jean,” 85, of Ellijay, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, surrounded by family. 

She was born Sept. 2, 1935, to Roy Clinton and Ila Christine Dalrymple in Nantahala, N.C. A 1953 graduate of Gilmer High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Harold, Jan. 23, 1954. 

January 23, 2021, would be Jean and Harold’s 67th wedding anniversary.

She is preceded in death by siblings, Bill Dalrymple (Dorothy) and Jack Dalrymple.

She is survived by husband, Harold Reece; sons, Russell Reece (Frannie) and David Reece (Karen),; grandchildren, Rachel Reece (Ben Campbell), Drew Reece (Elizabeth), Katherine Waken (Matt), Ally Underwood (Zach), and Mary Anna Tillery (Scotty); great-grandchild, Henry Underwood; siblings, Sue West (Ronnie), Ed Dalrymple (Glenda); sister-in-law, Grace Dalrymple; and many other family members she loved dearly. 

She and Harold were raised in Ellijay, and left for Atlanta to embark on a life marked by shared adventures. As a young couple, they lived in various places throughout the years including Stuttgart, Germany (during Harold’s service in the Army), Jacksonville, Fla., Minneapolis, Minn., and finally Dunwoody, where they raised their sons. Harold and Jean retired to Ellijay in 2010, returning to her beloved childhood home.

She was an active member and employee of Dunwoody Baptist Church, a woman of deep faith, an avid gardener and a wonderful cook and homemaker who opened her home to everyone with warmth and style. She was the ultimate supporter of her husband, children and grandchildren, attending every game, recital and function with grace and support.  

She was an exceptional listener and mentor, and selflessly gave her time and talents to those she loved. She will be remembered with love by her immediate and extended family members as a gracious, faithful, and kind Southern woman who was happiest in the company of her family in the mountains.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. 

Interment was in the Yukon Cemetery.  

Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association (Georgia Chapter) and Yukon Cemetery.

Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.