Essie L. Reese

Essie Lee Guider Reese was born on September 8, 1922 in Blythewood, South Carolina. She was the 10th of 14 childrenborn to Charlie Guider and Cora L. Gadson Guider.​

Essie attended school in both Fairfield County, South Carolinaand Richland County, South Carolina. She was baptized at an early age and attended Little Zion Baptist Church in Blythewood.​

Once Essie reached 21 years of age, she moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was in Philadelphia where she met the love of her life, Ralph L. Reese. Essie married Ralph, affectionatelycalled Tony, in 1949. From this union 2 children were born, Anthony L. Reese and Renee Reese Nelson.​

While living in Philadelphia, Essie joined Monumental Baptist Church under the leadership of the late M.M. Peace. She was a good and faithful member for more than 70 years and served as a Missionary.​
Essie worked for several years at the Campbell Soup Company, in Camden, New Jersey. After being laid off, she then worked at Drexel Institute in Philadelphia until she retired.​

Essie loved her family. She enjoyed having fun and travelling with family. She and her sisters, Lauretta, Irene, Thelma and Betty were very close knit. So close that they took risk together as entrepreneurs. After their passing, Essie continued to operate the thrift store in West Philadelphia. She often had customers waiting outside for her to open.​

The Guider Family Reunion was a joyous occasion that Essie looked forward to attending. She participated annually for 21 years. Essie was the matriarch and a vital part of the history of the Guider family. She enjoyed telling her life experiences and how God brought the family from share croppers to entrepreneurship to Doctors, educators and preachers.​

Essie was a self-determined woman and maintained her independence until recently. She moved from Philadelphia to a senior living apartment in Newark, Delaware. Essie treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren.​

While living in Delaware she attended the Bethel AME Church, with her family. She recently joined Bethel, under watch care, under the leadership of Rev. Silvester Beaman.​

Essie was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph L Reese and her son, Anthony L Reese. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Renee (Garrett) Nelson, 2 granddaughters, LaTonya Reese of Philadelphia and Vanesha Nelson of Middletown, Delaware; 2 grandsons, Brandon Drew and Xavier Nelson of Wilmington, Delaware; 2 great grandchildren, Lamond Lawrence and Lauren Lawrence both of Philadelphia, Pa., nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Our Matriarch will always remain in our hearts and minds.