Mark Harris Reese

Mark Harris Reese, born July 27, 1949, to the union of Hilda and Freeman Reese, transitioned peacefully on June 13, 2022. Mark was preceded in death by his father Freeman.

Mark accepted Christ at an early age, joining East Mt. Zion Baptist Church on March 3', 1963 and was baptized on March 24', 1963. His commitment to community service and to East Mt. Zion was shown through his work with the Lifeline program. He spent hours working with Lifeline alongside his aunt, Shirley Reese Harrell.

Mark's education began in the Cleveland Public School system. And it was while he was attending Alexander Hamilton middle school that he became known as the "best dresser", often mimicking his uncle Joe Reese with his sense of fashion & dark colored glasses. His classmates also praised Mark's fancy dance moves.

It was during his high school years at Shaker High school that Mark took an interest in sports. At Shaker he participated in intramural sports, including track. But his favorite activity was swimming, something he continued his entire life. It was not unusual to see Mark heading to Cleveland State University's metro campus, with his swimming shorts in his back pocket. If his friends were looking for him, he could be found in the pool. Mark was certified as a Red Cross life guard.

Mark met the love of his life at Shaker High school, Toni Bradley. They were married in 1971 and to this union a son was born, Mark Anthony Reese. Mark served active duty with the United States Marine Corp, with honorable discharge in 1973.

He was a genuine music lover, and his taste in music was so diverse, ranging from R&B, to pop, blues, jazz and even country music. Mark could spend hours listening to the Temptations greatest hits, or Miles Davis, and then switch to country singer Patsy's Cline's epic song, "Crazy". His mom would say, "hey Mark turn that up" Probably Mark's best friend and greatest love was his roommate, his mom. Not all guys can room with their mom, but Mark and Hilda lived in harmony. He paid special attention to her, always checking on her through the course of the day. She would hear his voice from down the hall or from downstairs "hey Ma, you, OK?" And he loved preparing her meals, usually something he would fry, like chicken or fish. And then serve it to her, on a tray.

Mark leaves cherished memories with his mom, his son, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, loved ones and dear friends.