Tortesa Stevens Reese was born in Jacksonville, Florida on November 3, 1973. She was the daughter of the late Bernard and Lucy Stevens.

During the early years of her life, she attended the public schools of Dougherty County and graduated from Dougherty High School having participated in numerous school functions and activities. After graduation, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida in search of employment opportunities and to further enrich her life.

She was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Curtis Reese. Although they did not have children of their own, they opened their hearts and their home to other family members—especially her nephews, VJ and Triston.

While living in Jacksonville, Tortesa was employed at Revlon Manufacturing where she labored untiringly for numerous years. After being challenged by a serious accident, she relocated to Albany to be close to her family. Dialysis and wheel chair confinement could not stop Tortesa—she forged ahead and accepted employment as a cashier at Albany State University. She took great pride in her work and being of service to the students and faculty.

"Tesa" as she was affectionately called, enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. She strongly believed in family ties and responsibilities, and she took advantage of every opportunity to organize and host family gatherings. She was a kindhearted person who loved the Lord, who was grateful for every good thing that came her way, and who was a source of encouragement to everyone she met. When faced with obstacles and challenges, she continued to press forward and never gave up. Her strength and fortitude will long be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

On April 7, 2018 surrounded by family and holding her nephews in her arms, Tortesa's spirit returned to the Lord.

Fond memories will forever be cherished by her husband, Curtis Reese; sisters, Natavia and Tasha; nieces and nephews, Kiandre, Kamersha (Cam Cam), Kameelah (Kay Kay), Tony, Rashaad, Armaad, and Dontavious; special cousins, Spring, Kodre (Bobina), and Quinn (Tony); aunt and uncles, Verna, John (Hawk), Robert (Bob), and Dennis; special friends, LaFonda Mills Hall and Cassandra Gaines; and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.