Estelle Chastain Reece

Estelle Chastain Reece, age 86, of Gillsville, Georgia, passed away on April 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Estelle was born on October 31, 1939, in Dawson County, Georgia, to the late Ben and Eula Chastain. She was one of nine children. Estelle moved with her family to Gillsville in 1967, where she and her husband raised 3 boys.  Estelle retired from Craven’s Pottery in Gillsville, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

A faithful member of Gillsville Baptist Church, Estelle found joy in spending time in the mountains and caring for her family, especially her six grandchildren and later her thirteen great-grandchildren. She was known for her quick wit, spunky spirit, and straightforward nature. Estelle was a woman of strong character who was never afraid to speak her mind, and her humor and honesty endeared her to all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Sammy (Kay) Reece, Freddie (Kay) Reece, and Dwayne (Cynthia) Reece; her grandchildren, Heather (Matt) Greenway, Brandon (Heather) Reece, Ashley Reece, Sandy (Adam) Crenshaw, and Courtney (Ryan) Chambers; her siblings, Alton (Linda) Chastain and Ralph (Shirley) Chastain; as well as a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Reece; her siblings, Raymond Chastain, Wade Crane, Margie Davenport, Ann Hooper, Wynelle Lingerfelt, and Ola Belle Wiley; and her grandson, Randy Reece.

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Riverside, followed by a funeral service in the Memorial Park Riverside Chapel with Pastor John Kinsey officiating. A graveside service will follow at Gillsville Baptist Church, with Adam Crenshaw officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gillsville Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Phoenix at Lake Lanier and Golden Rule Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.

Estelle’s quick wit and spunky personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She will forever remain in our hearts.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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