Beatrice Mercer

Beatrice “Bea” Patricia Marshall Mercer, age 90, went peacefully to meet her Lord and Savior in the comfort of her home with family by her side on March 24, 2019. Born January 23, 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama she was a graduate of Sydney Lanier High School and as a young lady she helped her mother care for and raise hundreds of foster children.She was a devoted wife to her husband Edward “Ed” Mercer for 68 years. Ed and Bea lived in Merced, California during his service in the Air Force and deployment to Korea. Following the birth of their first child, Ronald, they moved to Decatur, Ga. There they spent many happy years and expanded their family with the birth of two daughters, Teresa and Susan. In 1972 they moved to their final home in Villa Rica, Ga. Bea was a very active member in her community. She participated in Douglas County commission meetings, budget hearings, WS and Board of Education meetings. She also attended hospital and airport authority planning and zoning meetings. She was president of the PTA, and League of concerned citizens. She was on the Douglas County charter subcommittee and strategic planning group. She was a passionate environmentalist and civil rights activist. At the height of her involvement in her community she ran for Douglas County commissioner of district 4. She was a compassionate mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, quilting, crafting, reading and cooking but her favorite past time was playing canasta with her family. In her final years she was most happy watching wildlife from her patio and doing crossword puzzles. She was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Clara Marshall and granddaughter-in-law, Brandy Jensen. She will be lovingly remembered by husband Edward Mercer, children: Ronnie (Maggie), Teresa (Rodney), and Susan (Ted). “Nan-ma” will also be fondly remembered by her six grandchildren: Joshua (Laura), Travis, Stacy (Eric), Jessica (David) Brandon and Dillon as well as 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nephew Eugene Merritt and his daughter Madison, many friends and neighbors and her faithful cat companion “Happy”. The family would like to express their gratitude to care-givers Cathy Strickland, Susan and Jessica Tyson and Bristol Hospice for their loving devotion to Mrs. Bea.In lieu of flowers, those who desiring to do so may make donations to the Douglas County Animal Shelter at www.celebratedouglascounty.com/animal_control, Susan B. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org.The family asks that you join them in celebrating of her life at Jones Wynn Funeral home Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services of Villa Rica in charge of arrangements. 770-459-3694