Arleane Marie Reese

Arleane Marie Reese [b. December 21, 1950 - d. August 10, 2025], age 74, was born in Columbia, SC, in a little place called “Arthur Town” to John and Florence (Hodges) Reese. She was raised in the home built with her father’s hands and nurtured by her mother’s love. As one of “Flower’s Petals” of the Reese, Reeves, Rose Family [R3], she was the second granddaughter of Lila Reese Daniels. Alreane loved to sing. Moving to Brooklyn, New York, she, her sister Barbara, and “cousins” Judy Marchand, Carla and Maedia Berghout started a singing group named for the times, “The Carlettes” [Carla and the Carlettes]. During this period of her life, Alreane flourished as the group won at the famous Apollo Theater a number of times meeting many of the Apollo greats. The group followed up this success and recorded several tracks that can be found online today on Youtube Music. [“Groovin’,” “I’m Getting Tired,” “Lost Without Your Love”] Arleane loved music. Arleane was known for her incredible taste in music, educating her daughter from a young age about the legends of Motown Records, to everything Patti LaBelle to anything Aretha, and all things Gladys Knight. She continued to sing in her home bringing life into the space. If you were a lucky guest, you may get treated to a concert with her Karaoke machine always at the ready. In 1999, she parted ways with New York City and moved back to her origins in Columbia, SC. Here is where she began a career within the Department of Corrections. Miss Arleane is survived by her daughter, Maeshay K. Lewis-Cosey and son-in-law Archie L. Cosey; grandson, Jaedon Ashir Higgins; sisters, Barbara L. English and Kennette L. Reese; niece, Kenya L. Cobb; nephews, Corey Emelington Reese, Omar H. English, Naquann Cobb, Jeremiah Green and a host of family and friends. The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SW. Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234 has charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com.