A birthday celebration to honor former State Representative Barbara Massey Reece was held on Thursday of this week.  Ms. Reece turned 80 years-old on December 22nd.  Two former Chattooga County Commissioners and another former State Representative from Chattooga County were in attendance along with friends and family.  Ms. Reece told the crowd that she appreciated all the support she received while serving as state representative for over a decade. 

She was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1998 where she represents the 11th District, which at the time, included a portion of southern Walker County, all of Chattooga County, and northern and western portions of Floyd County.

Prior to election, she was employed by the Extension Service as a Home Economist in Walker County, a classroom teacher for thirty years in Chattooga and Gwinnett Counties, and a business
partner in B&B Enterprises, a Catering Service. During this time, Rep. Reece was active in numerous civic and professional groups. She was twice named Teacher of the Year. She was
nominated by students and recognized in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She received the Community Service Award from Modern Woodmen of America for her work with children
and the elderly.

During her terms in office, and since leaving office, Ms. Reece, along with Ms. Odell Anderson, have been ardent supporters of area veterans.  While in office, Ms. Reece arranged for busloads of veterans to go to the state capital, and since leaving office has continued to organize events to recognize veterans in Chattooga and surrounding counties.