Erma Ford Reeder

Erma Ford Reeder, 81, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord at her home, June 26, 2017. A memorial service in celebration of her life, will be held on Friday, June 30th at 2:00 P.M. Brother Buddy Hankins will be officiating at Southside Baptist Church, 730 East Flournoy Lucas Rd, Shreveport. Erma was born on November 9, 1935, in Dayton, Texas to William Ray and Carrie Martin Ford. The Ford family moved to Shreveport in 1940. Erma became a member of Southside Baptist Church. This is where her love of playing piano and singing began. During her life, she not only sang at church, but at various events all over town. This included singing \"Somewhere Over the Rainbow\" at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, at the young age of 10. Southside Baptist is where she eventually met the love of her life, Frank Darwin Reeder. After graduating from Byrd High School in 1953, she and Darwin began a 64 year journey of marriage, love, and children. Erma and Darwin were called to duty in the USAF, spending the next 30 years of active duty moving over 18 times across the country and overseas. Erma stated, \"It was an adventure that I would not have traded for anything, including how fortunate it was for our 5 children to see the world as well." During the early 80\'s, Erma went back to school to fulfill her lifelong dream and became a nurse. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1983, Erma and Darwin returned to Shreveport where their life together began in 1953. She continued her nursing career for many years before her own retirement. This began a new chapter of her life which included learning to play golf, enjoying grandchildren, and traveling to Eastern Europe, China, Australia, and many other countries. Some of her fondest memories were the many summers she and Darwin spent in their cabin in the mountains of Colorado with friends and family. Erma was grateful for the many friends she met along the way. She often said, \"My hope is that at sometime I brought a smile to your face and laughter to your day.\" Preceding her in death was her father, Wm Ray Ford, mother, Carrie Martin Ford, brother, Forrest Ray Ford, and her son, Kenneth Ray Reeder. Erma is survived by her beloved husband, Frank Darwin Reeder; son Larry (Martha), daughters Roxanne, Rene\', and Tonya; brother Wayne M. Ford (Sophie); grandchildren April, Samantha, Ryan, Bryce, Erin, Cason, Callan, Dylan; great-grandchildren Elijah and Phoebe; and many extended family members. The family would like to extend their warm appreciation to the many family and friends for their love, support, and prayers. It was Erma's wish to be cremated, having her ashes eventually interred with her husband at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans' Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Southside Baptist Church, St. Jude Childrens\' Hospital, or any pet friendly charity.