Debra Jan Reese
August 25, 1957 ~ October 11, 2022
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Debra Jan Reese, 65, of Asheville, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
A native of Buncombe Co., Debra was a daughter of the late Betty Faye Looney Gantt and Oakley Reese.
Ms. Reese graduated from Enka High School in 1975, and from the A-B Tech Radiologic Technology Program in 1977. She then obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Mars Hill College in 1981, and then obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health and Administration from UNC Chapel Hill, class of 1991. She was the former Department Head of Radiography at A-B Tech from 1991-2013.
Ms. Reese has been an active member and former president of the NC Society of Radiologic Technologists since 1976. She has held all the Society’s offices and has chaired four NCSRT seminars in Asheville and served on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ Radiography Practice Analysis Committee.
Ms. Reese’s significant and substantial activities have earned her listing in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers three times, and she was awarded Life Membership by the NCSRT in 1997, and received the Reeves-Roussean Memorial Lecturer for 2009.
Debra was an accomplished brass player, and was a member of the Smoky Mountain Brass Band. She loved to travel the world with her friends and touched many hearts.
Surviving is her sister, Barbara Reese Dykes and her husband, Rodney; step-mother, Linda Reese; step-father, Howard Gantt; nieces, Beth King, Laura Correll (David) and Kristen Caison (David); 6 great-nephews, Nicolas, Landon, Cooper, Isaiah, Daniel and Carter; and a great-niece, Kendall.
Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home. Four Seasons Hospice Chaplain Cy Miller and Pastor Charles Sams will officiate and the Smoky Mountain Brass Band will render the music.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Private family burial will be at Piney Mountain United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to the Four Seasons Hospice Nurses for their care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The A-B Tech Foundation-Debra J. Reese Memorial Scholarship, 340 Victoria Rd., Asheville NC 28801, or online at: www.abtech.edu/giving
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Services
Visitation: October 28, 2022 6:00 pm - December 9, 2024 7:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Memorial Service: October 28, 2022 7:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Deb was a dear friend for over 40 years. Out lives have crossed throughout that time both professionally and personally. We have always had such open wonderful conversations I will miss her so much.
Prayers and Condolences to Debs family and friends.
We loved Debbie and will miss her love to the family from her cousin Johnie Reese
Debbie was a true professional. We shared over 40 years supporting Radiology and the careers of many students. I will always remember her laugh and the fun times we had.
Barbara and Girls,
Our deepest sympathies for your losses – too much!
I think of her
Warm smile.
Warmer Heart.
A Good Woman – like her Mother.
.
I love you and your family. My heart aches for you, my dear friend, Barbara. May Grace bring you comfort🥰
Our prayers are with you.
Barbara and family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Deb. Her bright smile was for everyone she met. I have good memories of your sweet mama and Deb.
Went to Enka and in band with Debra. She was fun to be around. Sorry to see this . Prayers for all.
Our condolences and our love to Debra’s family.
I have thought so often about Debbie. She was so thoughtful and such a good friend. I met her threw another friend. Even though I hadn’t seen or spoke with for 30+ years, I often thought of her and the fun we would have. For Debbie’s family, I will pray for you. May God help with your pain and give you peace.
Barbara and Family: Debbie was such a sweet person and had a beautiful smile for everyone. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace and comfort. Cherish your precious memories until you meet again.
Barbara I’m so sorry for your family in the loss of Debbie. She was such a sweet girl and so caring about everyone. Prayers for you as it’s a very difficult time for you! ❤️❤️🙏🙏
I wouldn’t be what I am today or accomplished all the things I accomplished if it wasn’t for Debbie she’ll always have a special place in my heart
Went through all grades and even had sleep overs growing up. We lived not far from one another, but we lost touch until two years ago. I am heartbroken as you are as a family are going through this. Praying for all of you until you meet again.
Barbara,
I am so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing as well as your dad’s. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Lane Brown
(In case you don’t recognize the name, my family and I lived on Daniel Road for many years across from the Brooks’)
Although I have been gone from Mission hospital for a long time, I remember Debbie as a very kind person.
Hugs to her family during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear about Debra . Praying for the family to be at peace.🕊️ Sending my love to the family ❤️
Sending prayers for peace to a true professional who made a difference. You are loved and will be missed.
🙏🙏 so very sorry for the loss of Debbie! She will be missed
Prayers of peace and comfort to Debbie’s family and her many friends. She was a deeply loving and good hearted woman and will be greatly missed.
Beautiful smile and beautiful soul You left on this earth a shining example of love and loyalty and calm amidst a storm
debbie king prayers and condolences to the family
My friend Debra, we had some fun times over the years and I thank you for that. You are remembered as a kind, happy, fun and gentle spirit. I cherished our friendship and will miss seeing your sweet face and beautiful smile. I’m better for having known you and I feel that your spirit is dancing free, without pain and watching down over your friends and family. Heartfelt condolences are sent to your dear family. You will be sorely missed, friend.
Thinking of Debbie. Throughout her career she made such an impact on the lives of many Radiology Technologists and so on to the patients they served. A treasure. Peace and comfort to her family.
A gentle spirit and kind heart, combined with strong mountain core values and just the right mischievous twinkle in her eyes to make life fun! We miss you Debbie. Thanks for sharing your life with so many! You are remembered with great fondness by many.
That was a Beautiful service! I know Deb would be so proud of Y’all.
Much love to you from Pam and Susan in San Diego
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