09/14/2026
Fischer Reese, Barbara (Taylor Center 1970)
The Taylor Alumni Association extends condolences to the family and friends of Barbara Fischer Reese. Barbara Anne Fischer Reese, 73, entered the presence of her Lord on August 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a long journey through declining health. Although her body had grown weary, those who knew Barbara will remember her for her radiant smile, her generous heart, and the countless ways she made people feel loved. Barbara was born on December 16, 1952, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to Francis Leonard Fischer, CSM (ret.) and Normalee Ruth Lambert Fischer. As the daughter of a career soldier, she spent her childhood moving wherever duty called. Although she lived in many places, she always said she was “from Detroit,” where she attended Taylor Center High School during the turbulent years of the Detroit race riots. In high school, Barbara played the flute and was a baton twirler in the marching band color guard. She was also fond of joking that she was “a proud graduate of three weeks of college.” Her family later settled in Columbia, South Carolina when her father was assigned to Fort Jackson. Barbara’s identity as a proud military daughter was woven into the fabric of her life. As the daughter of an active service member, she experienced firsthand both the pride and the sacrifices of military service. During the many times her father, or her older brother Robert “Bob” Fischer, who served in the Navy aboard the USS Ranger and USS Nimitz, were deployed or away on assignment, Barbara learned the quiet strength shared by so many military families and instilled a lifelong appreciation of military service. Having lived it herself, Barbara understood that military service is borne not only by those who wear the uniform, but also by the families who keep the home fires burning. Barbara’s life changed forever while working at the Commission for the Blind. She was introduced to James “Howell” Reese on a date by her coworker, Virginia Reese, the wife of Howell’s brother, Jesse “Buddy” Reese. Barbara and Howell fell in love quickly and, within just five months of meeting, were married on May 27, 1978, at Beulah Baptist Church in Hopkins, South Carolina. Their marriage became the foundation of a loving family and a life built on faith, hard work, and unwavering commitment to one another. She balanced Howell’s adventurous spirit with wisdom, patience, and just enough gentle guidance to keep life on track. While Howell worked tirelessly to provide for his family, Barbara balanced her own career while keeping their home running, filling it with home-cooked meals and family traditions. Together, they made one another better. They taught by example that every task deserved to be done with excellence, that character mattered more than convenience, and that showing up for the people you love was never optional. Barbara was the steady voice who guided her daughters through every stage of life – from school projects and first jobs to broken hearts, friendships, and the countless joys and challenges of adulthood. As Barbara’s health declined in later years, Howell’s devotion never wavered, carrying burdens she could no longer bear herself. His sacrificial love became a beautiful reflection of the vows they made on their wedding day forty-eight years earlier. Barbara had a beautiful example of family love. Her mother made Barbara’s wedding dress by hand. Years later, Barbara carefully removed the blue ribbon from that dress and sewed pieces of it into each of her daughters’ wedding dresses as their “something blue,” connecting three generations. She shared a special bond with each of her siblings. Her older brother Bob was a reminder not to take life too seriously. Whether through teasing or humor, he delighted in helping Barbara loosen up and set aside her need to take care of others. She often helped keep her younger brother, Jack, out of trouble. But she later took great pride in the gifted musician he became and loved listening to him play. Barbara’s relationship with her younger sister Janet was something truly special. Affectionately known as the “Stereo Sisters,” the two could talk for hours, laughing together as only sisters and best friends can. During Barbara’s final months, Janet faithfully made the trip each week to spend time by her sister’s side. It was a beautiful reflection of the lifelong friendship they shared. Over the course of her career, Barbara excelled in every position she held. She worked for the Commission for the Blind, Pepsi, PMSC/CSC in Blythewood, and later the Nelson Mullins Law Firm in Columbia. An exceptional administrative assistant, she was admired for her professionalism, organization, and dependability, earning the respect of coworkers wherever she worked. Barbara’s faith was the foundation of her life. Raised Catholic, she later embraced the Southern Baptist faith. She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church for most of her life, where she took on many roles, including teacher, organizer, and Women’s Missions Director. She also served as Master of “The Look,” which was often deployed in the girls’ direction when they got the church giggles. Her faith extended well beyond the church walls, and there was always room around her Sunday dinner table for widows and widowers who might otherwise have spent the day alone. After they moved to Blythewood, she and Howell found a home with Spring Valley Baptist Church, quickly making meaningful friendships. Her love for God was evident in the way she treated others. If there was one way Barbara most naturally expressed love, it was through giving. She delighted in finding the perfect gift, wrapping it beautifully, and finishing it with one of her signature handmade bows. Christmas was her favorite season because it gave her another opportunity to make people feel loved. Barbara’s kitchen became another expression of that love. She became known as an exceptional Southern cook, and friends and family often remarked that she could prepare Southern comfort food as well as anyone born and raised in the South. Among her family’s most treasured traditions were the sugar cookies she made from her mother’s recipe every Thanksgiving Eve. Although Barbara shared the recipe with anyone who asked, no one has ever been able to make them taste quite like hers. Her family is convinced there was one secret ingredient that she took with her (or maybe it was simply the love she poured into every recipe). Barbara’s beautiful smile is one of the things her family and friends will remember most. Her smile welcomed people, reassured them, and reflected the warmth that defined her life. More than anything, Barbara wanted the people around her to know they were loved, and she spent her life making sure they did. She is survived by her devoted husband, James Howell Reese; her daughters, Melissa Reese Cruthirds and her husband, Karl Cruthirds, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and Carrie Reese Boschan of Charlotte, North Carolina; her siblings, Bob Fischer and Janet Owings (Bear); her beloved dog, Benji; her cat, Phyllis, who succeeded in changing her mind about cats; and many dearly loved “granddogs,” who brought her great joy amongst the utter chaos. Although Barbara never had grandchildren of her own (a fact she proudly never hounded her daughters about), she found no shortage of children to love and treat as her own. She is also survived by her nephews, Michael Lucas (Taylor) and Josh Fischer (Cassie); nieces, Amy Fischer, Courtney Stanbery, Jamie Shealy (Austin), and Alex Owings; grand-nephews and grand-nieces; and the grandchildren of her friends. She also leaves behind a gaggle of close friends who are too numerous to name, but each one of them held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Leonard Fischer and Normalee Ruth Lambert Fischer, and her brother, Jack Fischer. Barbara often smiled and told her family, “You’re going to miss me when I’m gone.” She was right. Funeral Arrangements were Friday, August 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Location: Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209. Memorial contributions may be made to a few of Barbara’s favorite charities: The Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Run4Papa.
