Buena Wright Reese, 88, passed away on Jun 13, 2022. Born on August 02, 1933 to Rufus and Ethel Wright, she was a lifelong resident of the Peninsula. After graduating from Huntington High School in Newport News in 1951 and Hampton Institute in 1955 with her BS and MS, she began her career as a Newport News public school teacher where she retired after more than 30 years.

She went on to become a professor at both Hampton Institute and Norfolk State University and continued her studies to receive a Master's degree from SMU and NSU and her PhD from Va. Tech.  After her retirement from university, she joined Peace Corps and was a member of Hungary 5. She was stationed in Budapest and taught ESL at University of Budapest, Hungary for 2 years.

She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, was Past Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and a Daughter of Isis. Her city council board memberships included the Hampton Arts Commission, Senior Citizens Council, Peninsula ASAP, and PAA where she initiated the "Meals on Wheels" program.

She grew up in the AME church, being a member of St. Paul AME until 1998. She then converted and became a devoted and active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. There she created the Baccalaureate ceremony for both high school and college students, Irish Fest, was President of the ICC Womens' Guild and a lector.

Buena was preceded in death by her parents and her eight brothers and sisters.  She is survived by her children, Deborah R. Reese and Timothy D. Reese.

Visitation will be from 5:45-6:30 PM Tuesday June 28 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2150 Cunningham Dr., in Hampton,  followed by a Funeral Mass at 6:30 PM.

Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton, 757-723-3191.