Mrs. Joan (Dotson) Reece

Joan Elizabeth Reece was born on April 8,1944 to Walter and Louise Dotson in Evanston, IL. She was the second child born to this union. Joan's faith in God started at a young age at First Church of God. Joan's Grandmother, Cecelia Dotson joined First Church in 1913, and Joan spent many summers at the National Church of God Campground in West Middlesex.

She was educated through the Evanston Public School System. Joan was very athletic, she ran track, was part of the Drill Team and was very good at Karate. She was also one of the Debutante in the Evanston Cotillion under the leadership of Ms. Brownie Frazier. She graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1963. Joan's career started in the Head start Program at District 65. She eventually became a Teacher's Assistant at Park School. She dedicated her life and time to helping families she had a tender place in her heart for children with Special Needs.

This stemmed from her love for family, people and a desire to help anyone in need. She would go to candy store to purchase and handout candy to the children. Her ultimate dream was to one day become a Nurse. She made the day of countless children as they were greeted with a beautiful smile, when she picked them up for school each morning on the school bus she drove for Robinson Bus Company.

Joan had many accomplishments but out of all of them was the birth of her only beautiful and devoted daughter Taisha, born to her union with Mack Reece. She had a love for traveling. Every year she would venture out on a Cruise. A few of her favorite trips were to Hawaii and the Bahamas. She believed in living life to the fullest. This was done with life-long friends in their Social Club called the Channels along with being the first out of the group to own her very own car, a Red Corvair.

Joan was a real survivor. She beat Breast Cancer, and fought a good fight with a long-standing illness. Her Father and Mother, Walter and Louise Dotson, and two Brothers, Dwight and Ronald Dotson proceeded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Taisha (Don) Finley, one Brother, Lester (Linda) Dotson, a Grand Daughter, Brianna Rice, 2 Great­ Grand Children, Damari and Logan King, and a host of nieces, nephews, life-long friends that she looked at as sisters please keep the family in your prayers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette~ Funeral Director

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