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Submitted: 4/9/24 • Approved: 4/15/24 • Last Updated: 4/18/24 • R475348-G475347-S3
April 15, 1954 - April 10, 2023
On April 10, 2023, Aretha “Ree” Young transitioned peacefully at the age of 68, gaining her wings to walk with the angels. “Ree,” as she was affectionately known, was the biological mother of five children. However, many people considered Ree their second mother because of her loving and sincere nurturing spirit.
Born in Dumas, Arkansas, Ree was the first born child of Jacob and Mary Johnson. She relocated to Magham, LA, with her mother, where she would be reared in faith and family. Ree attended Mangham High School. Following high school, she began her career in the service industry because of her genuine love of helping others. Her contagious spirit, friendly personality, and leadership abilities naturally attracted friends easily and the respect of her coworker. She served as a night audit supervisor for over ten years.
Ree eventually would relocate to Monroe, LA, to raise her children, which she considered her most important job and favorite thing to do. She always provided support and love to her children and would proudly boast about their accomplishments, funny antics, and strengths. This love and affection would also be extended to her grandchildren who brought so much joy and happiness to her life.
As a woman of faith and fear of God, she became a member of New Antioch Baptist Church, under the late Reverend John L. Russell Sr. Her membership would extend to Greater New Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend John L. Russell, II, but due to health reasons, she was unable to attend in person, yet was forever present in spirit. Ree could always be heard saying, “walk with God and you will get it done.”
In her free time, Ree enjoyed watching classic television shows like Walker Texas Ranger, Gun Smoke, and In the Heat of the Night. She also often enjoyed reading the newspaper, books, and magazines because she truly understood that knowledge was indeed power. In addition to laughing and spending time with her family, she enjoyed traveling down memory lane while playing cards, dominos, and listening to great blues and old school R&B songs.
She leaves a memory that will be cherished by her mother, Mary; daughters, Martha (Norman), Demetress (Ellis), Latrice (Adam), and Nikki (Termar); son, Jason (Casandra); brothers, Alonzo (Lorna) and Patrick (Angela); sisters, Mary (Larry), Brenda, Debra, Sharon, and Linda (Rickey); and a host of grand and greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jacob; siblings, Agnus, Nadine, and Nathaniel; and nephews, Dewayne and Joshua.
Contributed on 4/9/24 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 475348