Title
To Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the Life of Navoria I. Reese, 1940-2023
Body
WHEREAS, Navoria I. Reese, born on September 30th, 1940, in Port Huron, Michigan, the third eldest of 14 children; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, Navoria and her family settled in Birmingham, Alabama and on December 22nd, 1956 married Stewart Reese Jr. with whom she had five children, Stewart III, LaVonia Denise, Bernard Isaiah, Norman Elton and Bernita Ann; and
WHEREAS, in 1968 the family moved to Atlanta, GA where they embarked on a new chapter in their lives to start a ministry and founded Bethesda Temple of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. currently Bethesda Cathedral; and
WHEREAS, through her multifaceted role with the church, her contributions included serving as an Administrator, Trustee, Corporate Secretary, Choir Director, Musician, Sunday School Teacher, Ministry Coordinator, and Director of the Bethesda Christian Academy; and
WHEREAS, her leadership opened doors to significant opportunities in the corporate world, notably making history by becoming the first black retail salesperson in sewing machines, fabric purchasing and alteration at Davidson’s retail store in Atlanta; and
WHEREAS, a successful entrepreneur of three businesses that included Navoria’s Positive Images, Golden Neo-Life Diamite and Ardyss International; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus extends its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Navoria’s I. Reese and everyone in the community who is mourning her recent passing; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Navoria I. Reese.