Naomi Reese

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

With heartfelt sympathy, we honor the life and legacy of Naomi Reese, who passed away on August 2, 2025. A devoted mother, loving grandmother, and faithful woman of God, Naomi touched countless lives with her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering faith. Her love and prayers have left an everlasting imprint on her family and community.

Sprowl Funeral and Cremation Care is honored to serve the family of Mrs.Naomi Reese.

Her homegoing celebration will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Church, 4007 N. Sherman Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46228. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the funeral service immediately following. She will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery.

We ask that you keep her loved ones lifted in prayer as they honor her remarkable life and faith-filled legacy.

NAOMI REESE was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 28, 1944, to Charles Wilbur and Elnora Elizabeth Ballard. She was affectionately known as “Mother-Dear” to her immediate family. She completed her primary education at School #42 and then graduated from Crispus Attucks High School. She was employed with American Legion National Headquarters from which she retired, after more than three decades of service.

NAOMI was married to John Arthur Reese, Sr. They were blessed with three children, Danis, Ashley, and John, Jr. Her husband, John Sr., preceded her in death on May 3, 2019, at the age of seventy-five.

NAOMI was baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost at Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church. Her spiritual birthday is Jan 28th and she lived a saved life for over fifty years. She initially attended Christ Temple with her mother, then later transferred her membership to Christ Church Apostolic under Bishop James Tyson’s leadership, where she actively participated in the Christ Church Radio Choir.

In 1982, NAOMI changed her membership from Christ Church and became a member of Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Faith Church. She served faithfully and with great dedication, under the leadership of the late Suffragan Bishop Joseph D. Farris, and the current pastor, Suffragan Bishop Thomas E. Griffith. She contributed significantly as the church Librarian where she instituted the annual “Reading Through the Bible” initiative and awarded certificates to the participants. She was also involved in the Pantry, Clothing Giveaway, Bereavement Committee, a secretary for the Adult Sunday School class, and Missionary Auxiliary. She was also faithful at passing out Pastor Giffith’s handouts during the Tuesday mid-day Bible class.

NAOMI was all about souls, and her primary assignment was being an Altar Worker and leading the Altar Workers’ Committee under the direction of Elder Samuel Rogers. Her love for the Lord enabled her to be God’s vessel for working with souls who wanted salvation, according to the Word of God (Acts 2:38). Serving as an Altar Worker was truly her calling and she found great joy in witnessing souls come to Christ.

NAOMI had a profound love for her family and greatly enjoyed spending time with them. She was an avid crocheter and would crochet blankets to give to her children in celebration of a new home or birth of a new grandbaby. During the Christmas season, she would make fudge and pass it out to the Zion Tabernacle saints. She showed her love through her actions and truly embodied the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.”

NAOMI was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Charlesella Ballard, Barbara Ann Ballard, Brenda Cushenberry, Rosaland Ramey, William Ballard, and Melvin Ballard.

NAOMI REESE passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025. She leaves behind cherished memories with her daughters Danis (John) Collins and Ashley (Morris) Appleton; her son, John (Andrea) Reese, Jr.; twelve grandchildren, John Mark Jr., Shannon, TJ, Paris, Elisabeth, Rebekah, India, Jamar, John Arthur III, Jae, Phebe, and Luke; five great-grandchildren; Anthony, Sanaa, Ja’Nayah, Beau, and Baylor Mae (soon to be born on September 8th); brothers Charles (Pat) Ballard and Lloyd (Janice) Ballard; sisters Sharon (Leland) Gunn, Arlene Posey, and Gloria Merriweather; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Naomi Reese, please visit our floral store.