Ms. Aretha Joyce Hubbard

Ms. Aretha Joyce Hubbard, affectionately known as “Reese”, was born on March 8, 1968, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina to the late Junior and Mary Hubbard. On August 21, 2023, God called Reese home from the residence she founded for her non-profit initiative, Achieving Our Greatness.

Reese was a graduate of the Chapel Hill High School class of 1986. She attended St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1990, Reese’s life would change forever once she gave birth to her son, Michael, the love of her life. She left school and dedicated her life to serving others to provide for her son. She began working in the medical field as a Certified Nurse Assistant. Later she worked as a receptionist at the North Carolina Center for Dermatology and Chapel Hill Internal Medicine. Soon afterward, she took on the role of head unit coordinator at Duke Hospital. In 2017, while employed at Duke, Reese was inspired to go back to school. She finished her education at St. Augustine’s University graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

Reese’s always had an unrelenting passion for helping others. Thus, it was no surprise that her academic pursuits led her to major in criminal justice. It was Reese’s life mission to bring justice and fairness to the injustices within the judicial system. Determined to make a difference and help those in need, she worked endlessly until to her last earthly hour, to build Achieving Our Greatness. Achieving our Greatness assists young males who have aged out of the foster care system by providing them with their basic needs so they could focus on obtaining a skill or trade to gain a more prosperous future and life. In her notes she wrote: “I started a non-profit organization for homeless people because I was deeply moved by the struggle and hardship that so many individuals face as a result of homelessness. I strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance to lead a fulfilling life regardless of their current circumstances.”

To know Reese was to LOVE her. She graced all who she came into contact with and would go above and beyond for those she loved and cared about, always putting others needs before her own (even strangers). Whether it was screaming for and cheering on her beloved Tar Heels, or taunting Duke fans, her kinetic energy showcased her vibrant personality. She will forever be remembered for her keen sense of humor, her comforting words, and the incredibly bright light she shined on us all with her smile.

Reese was preceded in death by her parents, Junior and Mary Hubbard, and her brother Wayne Hubbard.

To cherish Reese’s beautiful memories, she leaves her loving son, Michael Truesdale, daughter-in-law, Emilie Boilly-Truesdale, brother, Clarence Hubbard, two nephews, Jeremy Hubbard and Omari Newsome, and her incredible tribe that she deeply loved and cared about (if you know, you know).

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