03/07/2026
Ramona Brooks Reese, age 96, of Calhoun, went to be with her Lord, her parents and her four siblings on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Fountains of Calhoun.
Born on August 19, 1929, in Birmingham, Alabama, Ramona was the daughter of the late Olin Ray and Mary Armstrong Brooks. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John William Reese; a grandson, Jonathan Harrison; her sister and brother-in-law, Martine and Bill Simpkins; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Olin Jr. and Joan Brooks, Robert and Pat Brooks;and her brother Paul Brooks.
Ramona dedicated her life to serving through her church, beginning at Lakewood Baptist Church and continuing at Lake Highland Baptist and South Roebuck Baptist Church in Birmingham. Her passion for music led her to serve primarily in the music ministries of each congregation.
She also shared her love for music through teaching piano in her home—first in Birmingham and later in Calhoun—leaving a lasting impact on her students. Even in later years, she could occasionally be found tickling the ivories on the grand piano at the Fountains, bringing joy to the residents with her music.
After moving to Georgia, Ramona became an active member of Calhoun First Baptist Church. Upon learning of her experience as co-director of Avondale Mills Kindergarten in Birmingham, then-pastor John Bledsoe invited her to help establish a kindergarten program at Calhoun First Baptist Church. That program, which she helped bring to life, continues today as the Anne Jones Memorial Preschool.
Family meant everything to Ramona. She cherished gatherings that brought loved ones together, celebrating memories, welcoming new members, and treasuring shared moments.
A graduate of Woodlawn High School, Ramona went on to attend Birmingham-Southern College and the Birmingham Conservatory of Music.
She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Harrison (David) of Stone Mountain and Mona Hall (Danny) of Calhoun; two granddaughters, Lisa Showalter (Jeff) of Milton and Laura Hall of Calhoun; and five great-grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, Benjamin, Claire, and John Daniel Showalter. Also surviving isher sister-in-law Kay Brooks, along with many loving nieces and nephews.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude for their compassionate care and support to the staff of the Fountains, Michelle Coleman of Homespun Hospice, and especially to her longtime caregiver Denise Stansell whom she dearly loved, of Georgia Care at Home.
The family will receive friends at Thomas Funeral Home on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 1:00 until 3:00 pm.
Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026at 3:00 pm, in the chapel of Thomas Funeral Home, with Dr. John Barber officiating. Interment will follow at Fain Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Ray Brooks, Greg Brooks, Robert Brooks, Jr., Michael Brooks, Kris Brooks, and Jeff Showalter.
