Clara Reece

Texas — Clara Mae (Murff) Reece, 86, died, Sunday, December 24, 2023, at her home in Waco, Texas due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, James E. Reece; her sons, Dr. Steven D. (Deborah) Reece; David W. (Merle, d.) Reece; Robert E. Reece and daughter, Jennifer (Jerry) Jamieson; twelve grandchildren – Zachary, Aaron, Rebekah and John Reece; David Jr, Benjamin, Jonathan, Hannah Reece and Abigail (Reece) Brewer; Lauren, Emily and Anna Jamieson; 8 great grandchildren – Clara Reece; Adeline, Evelyn and Levi Reece; Josie and Soren Reece; Alice and CJ Brewer; siblings Gerald (Jeannie) Murff; Ruth (Wayne, d.) Locke and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Clara was born in Cameron, Texas, and is the daughter of William and Annell (Bridgewater) Murff.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Reece was involved in many social activities, especially when she lived in Baton Rouge, LA with her husband and four children. She met many politicians, influential people in the community and served as the President of the local Garden Club where she helped improve the design of the State Capitol gardens. She taught 3rd grade Sunday School at Florida Boulevard Baptist church for 30 years and served as a chaperone on many choir and mission trips.

In the 1980s, the Reece’s moved to Plano, TX where Mrs. Reece began working outside the home at First United Methodist Church in Plano. Later after the Reece’s moved to Waco, TX, she again went to work and retired after 25 years from the First United Church in Waco as the Program Director.

Mrs. Reece loved spending the holidays with her family, spoiling her grandchildren, taking vacations to the beach, reading her Bible, and attending church. She was always up for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat while visiting with friends and family. Her greatest pride was the beautiful family she created and cared for and her unwavering faith and conviction in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Graveside services will be held at Plano Mutual Cemetery in Plano, TX on Friday, December 29th at 1:00 p.m. and will be officiated by her eldest son, Dr. Steven D. Reece. The family will hold a Celebration of Life later in January 2024 in Waco, TX.