Joyce Ann (Mershon) Mercer passed away peacefully at home in Bunker Hill, Indiana on October 23, 2017 at the age of 86.
She was born on April 2, 1931 in Brazil IN to John Furnace and Freida Winefred (Stevenson) Mershon. Joyce spent her early life living in Brazil, Indiana where she graduated from Van Buren High School. She also attended Stevens College in Missouri and become a telephone operator at Bell Telephone where she remained until retirement in 1984 as supervisor with GTE (Verizon).
She was married to Donald Gene Mercer of Brazil IN who preceded her in death in 1992.
She is survived by her sister Greta Sue (Mershon) Vanzo of Clay County, Indiana. Also, three sons: John (JR) Mercer, Bunker Hill, Indiana; JB Mercer, Bradenton, Florida; and Mike Mercer, Akron, Ohio. Also, six grandchildren: James and Caleb Mercer, Bradenton, Florida; Morgan Mercer, Bunker Hill, Indiana; Dessa (Josh) Engle, Indianapolis; and Kyle (Sierra) Vanatti, Kokomo, Indiana. Also, one great grandson, Phoenix.
Joyce had several hobbies and interests that included fishing, hunting, watercolor painting and artwork. She was an independent woman ahead of her time and was one of the first women in Terre Haute, Indiana to become a licensed pilot in 1964 when she graduated from Browns Flying School in Terre Haute at Sky King Airport. She was also a member of Fairweather Aero Club.
She attended Bunker Hill Free Will Baptist Church and Bunker Hill Methodist Church where she enjoyed many activities.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Ben, Bill and Hubbard Mershon
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 from 3pm – 6 pm with service following at Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, 100 E Broadway, Bunker Hill, Indiana.
She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.