02/05/2026
Today we mourn and celebrate the life of a beloved member of our Sherwood’s family, Mary Reese.
Mary’s relationship with our family goes back over 60 years. When our grandparents, Darvin and Rita White bought the flower shop in 1966, they asked Mary to come work with them. They could see that she had a natural talent for making things beautiful, and they knew she would be a great florist. She was there in those early years when they were building the business, working long hours, taking any work they could, doing full weddings that included catering.
Like my grandmother, Mary was a perfectionist. She was an excellent floral designer who could do everything- plants, vase arrangements, baskets, funeral pieces, weddings and intricate corsages- always paying close attention to the details.
But she wasn’t just a designer. She was also a personal assistant, organizer, therapist, shoulder to cry on, and sometimes a referee.
For all of the triumphs and tragedies, laughter and tears, good times and bad, Mary was there for us. Years ago, when she had a stroke, she wasn’t sure if she would be able to work again. With her trademark determination and willpower, she did come back and kept designing! It was truly remarkable, and such an example of her positive attitude and unwillingness to ever give up.
There are too many stories to tell. I could go on and on… I can only say that we will miss her more than words can say. We were so blessed to have her in our lives! The lessons she taught, and the example she was in living a life of faith, hope, humor, devotion to family and friends, and unconditional love will stay with us forever. Our hearts are with the Reese family as they grieve for their wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt,
Mary Ester Reese,
April 22, 1935-February 1, 2026
🙏🏼❤️🕊️
