Mercedez Felice Rios-Garcia

Mercedez was born on June 7, 1994 in Oceanside, CA, but was raised most of her life in Lake Charles and Iowa, the place she called home.

Mercedez, an all around Allstar Senior Athlete, participated in track, cross country, basketball, softball, was manager of the volleyball team and also was an active member of the FCA. She was also Iowa High 2011/2012 Homecoming Queen. She was employed at Aeropostle and was an ambassador for the store.

Mercedez was preceded in death by her maternal Grandmother, Maria Murillo; Uncle Richard Hernandez; Aunt Jacqueline Vega; Godfather Norman Hampton; Aunt Marie Celestine-Prejean; Aunt Deloris Evans-Prejean and Grandfather, Simmon Prejean. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her parents, Sabridge and Yvette Prejean of Iowa, LA; her four brothers, Paul Aguilar (Cathern) and Joseph Aguilar (Marissa) both of Oceanside, CA, Robert Marquez (Chance) of Lake Charles, LA, David Prejean (Claudia) of Beaumont, TX; three sisters, Marlene Marquez (Courtland) of Lake Charles, LA, Christina Marquez (Eriq) of Murrieta, CA, Ebony Prejean (Enrique) of Lacassine, LA; her maternal grandparents, Beatrice and Javier Vega of Oceanside, CA; paternal grandmother, Edna V. Prejean of Lacassine, LA; maternal grandfather, Richard Hernandez of Oceanside, CA; her beautiful nieces, Lindsey, YaKanee, Millie, Sadie, Zaniah, Keeleigh, Caliah, Averie; her handsome nephews, Micah, Jarell and last but not least, many, many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends as well as amazing coaches, teachers and faculty.

Mercedez will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, her infectious laugh and her great spirit for life. She had unconditional love for her family and friends as well as a special love for animals. She always had time to stop and listen, make you laugh, or simply to let her presence be know. She was loved by all who came in contact with her and will be greatly missed.

Her funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2011 at St. Raphael's Catholic Church. Deacon Edward Lavine will officiate. Burial will be in Lacassine Cemetery. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Friday from 5-10 p.m. and again on Saturday from 8 a.m. til time of service. On Friday evening at 7 p.m. there will be a celebration of her life at the funeral home in Lake Charles. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help with medical and funeral expenses. Words of comfort may be shared with her family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

Mercedez's family requests that in her memory, for all to wear their seatbelts and buckle up while driving or riding in a vehicle