Roneagle in the Spotlight: Mildred Lyons Reese

Mildred Lyons Reese was born on July 28, 1918 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at a party with family and friends. Mildred currently resides in Evans, Georgia.

Mildred is a 1935 graduate of McDonogh 35 High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University and Master of Science in Social Work from Atlanta University. She also completed post graduate work at Columbia University and Tulane University.

A retired educator, she served as Assistant Principal of McDonogh 35 High School, Principal of Marie E. Couvent Elementary School and School Social Worker for Orleans Parish Schools. An active community volunteer, following retirement, she served as Administrative Assistant to Urban League CEO and Program Administrator for the Council on Aging. Mildred served on the New Orleans Planning Commission and the Regional Planning Commission. She was a member of numerous community boards including YMCA, Urban League, League of Women Voters, the New Orleans Council on Aging, and the Bright Pre-School for the Deaf. She is a life member of Sigma Gamma Rho and the Atlanta University Alumni Association.

Mildred married Lorenzo J. Reese, a teacher and administrator, on November 11, 1948. Their marriage lasted until God called Lorenzo home on May 3, 1993. Mildred was active in her church community in New Orleans serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Director and Deaconess. She was a member of Tulane Memorial Baptist Church. Following the aftermath of Katrina, she moved to Augusta and joined Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church. Until her health declined Mildred was a member of the Sunday School, served on the Publicity Committee and a Deaconess. She also authored articles for the church newsletter. Mildred is a published author. She authored and published America and Us and co-authored African American Males; Teachers Make a Difference.

The recipient of numerous awards including; Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association Award in Education, Urban League Whitney Young, Jr. Brotherhood Award, The Links, Inc. Unsung Heroes Award, University of New Orleans First Citizen of the Learning Society, Certificate of Merit from New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu, Service Citation as Board Member of Mayor Sidney Barthelemy’s Educational Foundation, NOPSI Consumer Roundtable Award, PTA Outstanding Community Service Award, and National Council of Negro Women Community Leaders Award.