Vivian Rozita Reese, 70, of Green Cove Springs, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital. The daughter of James Thomas Wilcox and Reatha Ruth Battle, she was born on Thursday, October 22, 1953, in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Vivian's family relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, and shortly after that, they all settled in Baltimore, Maryland where she attended elementary and junior high school within the Baltimore City Public School District. She was a 1971 graduate of Eastern High School.

In 1975, Vivian became a Reservist for the U.S. Army Reserves. She completed her basic training in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina and her advanced training at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. In 1978, she was honorably discharged.

After serving her country, she returned to Green Cove Springs, Florida. She joined the workforce and stepped into what would be her most cherished position ever, that of motherhood, giving birth to 3 beautiful daughters: Monique, Tempest and Mia. Also helping open the first McDonald's, in Green Cove Springs, and dedicating many years of service to the Holly Point Nursing Home. After more than 20 years of custodial service with the Clay County School District, she retired from Fleming Island Elementary School in June 2023.

Vivian was a member of the Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church for over 35 years. She was a songbird for the Lord, singing in the choir and serving on various ministries including the Deaconess Ministry, East Florida & Bethany Baptist Women's Intermediate Auxiliary and many more. During her time at Mt. Pleasant, she met Reverend Joe Reese, Jr. of Orange Park, Florida. The two united in marriage in August 1994. They would continue serving the Lord together at Mt. Pleasant until Reverend Reese began leading at New Trinity, making Vivian The First Lady of New Trinity Baptist Church of Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Along with being a faithful servant of her church and community, Vivian enjoyed listening to gospel music, dancing, cooking, bowling, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Vivian and her grandchildren would watch movies, make smoothies and eat ice cream and popcorn. They would attend many different events together, ranging from church events to the local fairs and carnivals. They also enjoyed play dates, shopping, dining out and simply laying around the house together; ultimately, making memories to last a lifetime.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in eternal rest by her brother, Bobby James Battle.

She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Reverend Joe Reese, Jr.; daughters, Monique Moore, Jacksonville; Tempest Dorsey, Orange Park; Mia Butler, Orange Park; Renesha (Jerome) Scott, St. Johns; son, Joseph (Tasha) Reese, Sr., Orange Park; son-in-love, Quran Hunter; 14 grandchildren, Khalil, Khamani, Lincoln, Reagan, Keonte, Kamiyah, Khaidyn, K'Hari, Qwest, Kimberly, Quryn, Khristina, Joseph Jr., Torreon; 5 brothers, Dean Edward Kelly, Gregory Gene Kelly, Demerius Leonard Kelly, all of Green Cove Springs; Victor Cy (Denise) Kelly, Virginia Larry Robinson, Daytona Beach; 5 sisters, Eva Yvonne Battle, Rosalind Joy Kelly, Tracy Christine (Tony) Hampshire, Amari Renee Kelly, all of Green Cove Springs; Beverly Ann Kelly, Ladson, SC; godson, Tristan Cotton; aunts and uncles, Rev. Robert and Ethel Wright, Green Cove Springs; Ronnie Battle, Jacksonville; Tommy Battle, Pensacola; Henry Blondie Battle; brothers- and sisters-in-law, David (Pam) Thomas, Willie (Denise) Thomas, Melvin Thomas, Mary Rease, Louvenia Reese, Josephine Francis, Mary (Moses) Davis, Nettie (James) Coleman, Patricia Thomas, Katie Brown, Barbara Thomas; childhood/special friends, Diane Thornton, Virginia Rivers, Lorenda Brown, Angela Berryhill, Constance Butler, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 3 at Greater Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Green Cove Springs. Homegoing Celebration will be 1 p.m., Saturday, May 4 at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church, 135 Brickyard Road, Middleburg, Rev. Robert L. Wright, officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Green Cove Springs.