Carmen Long Reese, 96, of Encinal, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 4, 2013 after a long and loving life of serving others. Carmen was born on April 3, 1917 in Pearsall, Texas to John Dever and Winnie Long. She attended Southwestern University in Georgetown and married Homer Valton (Sonny) Reese on January 1, 1938. Carmen and Sonny resided in Freer, Texas and had 3 children, Marian Sue, John, and Scott. Carmen was an elementary teacher in Freer, serving hundreds of children and families, until her retirement.

Mrs. Reese is preceded in death by her parents, Winnie and John Long; siblings, John Long, Archie Long, Mark Long and Clarice Wilkins; her husband, Sonny Reese; and her son, John Valton Reese.

Mrs. Reese is survived by her children, Marian Sue (Herbert†) Parrish and Scott (Diana) Reese, 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.

Carmen was a member of the Freer United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and served as president of the United Methodist Women, serving countless casseroles and covered dishes over the years. She was also in the Order of the Eastern Star, Delta Kappa Gamma, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Red Hat Society of Freer. Carmen's nickname was "the Roadrunner" because of her boundless energy and zest for adventure! After moving to Encinal in 2002, Carmen joined the First United Methodist Church in Cotulla. She was known for her kind spirit and loving devotion to family and friends. She will be missed by many but welcomed graciously into Heaven where she is undoubtedly leading the choir and organizing a covered dish supper for the saints.

Visitation will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Cotulla on Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. Services will be on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Freer United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at the Green Hill Cemetery in Hebbronville immediately following the service. Pallbearers will be Dwain, Blayne and Dillon Parrish, Jacob, Devlin, Johnny and Jay Reese, Reagan Chappell, and Mauricio Garcia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Freer United Methodist Church or the First United Methodist Church of Cotulla.