Mareece Gotell departed this life on February 5, 2025, at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin Georgia.

Sister Gotell, known as “Reese” to her family and friends was born on May 9, 1959, in McIntyre Georgia to the late William Thomas Gotell and Sister Eddie Mae Hogan Gotell. She was the 8th child of 13 siblings. Her life was marked by dedication to her work, family, church and community.

A proud graduate of Wilkinson County High School in the Class of 1977, Mareece continued her academic journey and furthered her studies at Georgia College gaining a B.S degree in Psychology, Middle Georgia College obtaining an A.S degree in Secondary Education, and Troy University, where she earned a Master's in Education with a minor in Mental Health.

Sister Mareece began her career in food service at Central State Hospital, where she demonstrated a strong work ethic and compassion for others. She advanced to become a Health Service Technician and later dedicated many years to the hospital's sterilization department. Following her tenure at Central State Hospital, Mareece found a new calling as a mental health counselor at Pulaski State Prison, a role she cherished until her retirement.

Even in retirement, Mareece remained active and committed to helping others. She volunteered with CASA as a mental health counselor and assisted many individuals in navigating through the process of applying for social security benefits. Her passion for education and support for others was a constant throughout her life.

Sister Mareece, a devoted steward of her faith, was a member of Fountain Grove AME Church which was founded by her grandmother the late Sis. Ida Mae Mapp-Hogan and the late Bro. Arthur Pitts. She participated actively in her church as a Sunday school superintendent and teacher, choir member, and was an active member of the Ida Mae Mapp Hogan Missionary Society. Mareece was an exhorter in the church and was also a part of the Women's in Ministry (WIM). She served as CDMC Masters Commissioner and won the Lay of the Year award in 2017 for the 6th Episcopal District. She let her light shine for Jesus by handing out prayer cards to whoever she met and believed in passing blessings forward.  

She was a philanthropist in the community. Sister Mareece was often volunteering in the local schools and libraries along with her puppet Mr. Russ Blue Puppy in support of her nieces, nephews, and family friends. She enjoyed cooking and loved bragging on her famous potato salad and homemade banana pudding, often her dessert of choice for the many family gatherings. Her love for Scrabble, reading, and working with youth was well known among her family and friends.

Mareece was dedicated to her education and was always eager to learn and grow. She believed in the power of knowledge and worked hard to achieve her academic goals. Mareece's commitment to education served as an inspiration to those around her, showing the importance of lifelong learning and personal development.

Mareece is preceded in death by her beloved siblings, Thomas Gotell (Joyce), Harold Gotell, Jimmy Gotell, and Patricia Jackson.

She leaves behind cherished memories with her surviving family: her only daughter, Chanel Jackson; two granddaughters, JaMirria Williams and Maya Stribling; and her honorary grandson, Kaizi Mitchell. goddaughter, Kadesia Gotell, siblings, Kenneth Gotell of Atlanta GA, Geneva Gotell Liggins (Eddie) of Milledgeville, GA, Lester Gotell of Irwinton, GA, Sharon Gotell of Detroit, MI, Alma Gotell of Livonia, MI, Cynthia Gotell of Lewis Irwinton, GA, Lucy Gotell Rozier of Gordon, GA,  Michael Gotell Sr. of Irwinton, GA; sister-in-law, Bertha Gotell of Irwinton, GA; brother-in-law, Howard Jackson of Southfield, MI; uncle, Willie C. Gotell of Cleveland, OH; aunts, Mattie Stevens of Milledgeville, GA and Marjorie Boston (Eddie) of Dublin, GA, will remember her fondly for her warmth and generosity.

She leaves behind dedicated friends, Angela Carswell, Shelia James, Vanessa Smith, and Barenda Hogan.