Crista Grant Reese

Crista Grant Reese, 56, went home to be with her Heavenly Father in the early hours of Wednesday, September 8, 2021 in Tallahassee. She was born on January 17, 1965 to parents Joie and Florence Grant in Thomasville, Georgia. Crista loved music, the great ocean, her family, and had a burning passion for helping others. She resided in Thomasville through her graduation from Thomasville High School in 1983. Crista was an active member of the Thomasville Music & Drama Troupe, where she and her sister, Kim, spent weekends and summers at rehearsals for upcoming performances. The discipline, confidence, and love of music and theatre that Crista gained from this experience was reflected in the way she lived her life. Her love of music was apparent to all who knew her. Crista went on to sing with contemporary worship bands at church, sing to her chickens, and eventually, married a music man. When Crista landed in Tallahassee, she attended Florida State University for her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Emotional Disturbances/Learning Disabilities in 1992. She met and fell in love with her husband of 27 years, Scott. They were married on April 23, 1994. Crista and Scott’s love for each other was recognized by strangers. They loved fiercely and faithfully, without ceasing. After they were married, they welcomed their daughters (Ashlyn and Brenyn) into the world. Together, Crista and Scott created a safe place at home for their daughters and many of their friends. They spent countless nights hosting large groups of kids, playing guitar and singing, cooking, and praying over their futures. Crista and Scott were a beautiful example of a God-centered marriage that was admired by all the young people they selflessly welcomed into their home through the years. Crista truly loved each of them like her own. Following her graduation from Florida State, she began working as a Special Education teacher at Pathways Educational Program, where she worked for almost 30 years. After perfecting her understanding of the “why” behind behaviors she observed, Crista became the Behavior Specialist at Pathways where she mentored, assisted, and trained teachers who loved the kids like she did. Posted in her office was one of her favorite quotes: “The kids that need the most love ask for it in the most unloving ways.” She preached this motto to countless co-workers, family, and friends over the years in an attempt to explain the passion and calling she felt for her work. In the days following her passing, it became evident that everything Crista poured into the students she worked with was heard. On their own accord, several students asked their teachers if they could put together a memorial to honor Mrs. Reese. Crista loved these students, even when they asked for love in the most unloving ways. Crista was preceded in death by her father, Joie Grant, as well as many uncles and grandparents. We can only imagine the Grant reunion in Heaven that was had on Wednesday. She is survived by her loving husband (Scott), her mother (Florence), her sister (Kim), her daughters and son-in-law (Ashlyn, Brenyn, and Chris), her beloved aunt and uncle (Ron and Donna), nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. Crista’s memorial service will be held at the Killearn campus of Four Oaks Community Church in Tallahassee, FL on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 4:00 pm. Todd Wahlquist with Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Reese family with their arrangements. The family will be wearing casual attire with shirts sporting positive life mantras that Crista loved to live by. They invite you to join them if you feel led. •• BE A KIND HUMAN ••

Tributes

Crista Grant Reese

January 17, 1965 - September 8, 2021