Blanche Reed Strain

BLANCHE STRAIN Tupelo - Blanche Reed Strain, 98, died Saturday, June 16, 2012, at her residence. She was born January 8, 1914, in Itawamba County to Luther Lamar Reed and Mary Lula Weaver Reed. She graduated from Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, Mississippi and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. She married James Albert "Ab" Strain on March 7, 1935. She moved to Tupelo in 1933 where she worked as a secretary for Reed Brothers Manufacturing Company for twelve years. She served as an American Red Cross Volunteer after the 1936 Tupelo Tornado. While her husband was stationed in Fresno, California in the Army during World War II, she worked as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. She participated in forming the Highland Circle, Oak Grove Road and the Madison Street Neighborhood Association. She was a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Dr. Ron Richardson and Rev. Dr. Tom Groome officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Survivors include her daughter, Dottie Strain of Tupelo; one sister, Murriel Reed Scott of Ridgeland; three nieces, Lisa Scott Magee (Ken) of Ridgeland, Ida Gilliland Lambert of Jackson and Betty Ott McMillon of Memphis; several great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sisters, Corrine Reed, Varnell Reed Gilliland, Ruthallen Reed Ott and Lucille Reed. Pallbearers will be Raiford Carter, Phillip Earwood, Howard Hinds, Scott Magee, Ray Reed, Robert Reed, Shelby Reed, III and Robert Quimby. Honorary pallbearer will be Shelby Reed, Jr. Visitation will be 1 - 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Jefferson St., Tupelo, MS 38804 or to a charity of your choice.