Mercedes Gerache Reeder died Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at her home. She was 88.

Mrs. Reeder was a lifelong resident of Vicksburg. She retired from Peoples Drug Store, where she was co-owner for a number years. She was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Academy and a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and Business and Professional Women’s Association. She was an avid golfer, bridge player and painter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Reeder Sr.; a sister, Rosalie Ford; and her parents, Joseph J. and Mercedes Gerache.

Survivors include her son, John Robert Reeder Jr. and his wife, Raye, of Vicksburg; a brother, Joseph A. Gerache Sr. and his wife, Ann, of Vicksburg; a sister, Josephine “Pap” Lavecchia of Chattanooga; two grandchildren, John Robert Reeder III of Oxford and Sam Reeder of Vicksburg.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Catholic Church with Monsignor Patrick Farrell officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. Glenwood Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be John Reeder, Sam Reeder, Joe Reeder, Joseph Gerache Jr., David Villere, John Bove, Collins Bove and John Lindigrin.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Warwick, Ramie Villere, Morris Wright, Ernest Swanson Sr., Johnny Gerache, Tommy Gerache, Dan Waring, Terry Swanson, Cecil Swanson and Ernest Swanson, Jr.

Memorials may be made to  St. Paul Catholic Church, 713 Crawford St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216.