Florence Mercer's Obituary
Florence (Kris) Kirstein Mercer passed away peacefully in Los Alamos, NM, on December 24, 2015 at the age of 93. She had been a resident of Aspen Ridge Lodge Assisted Living in Los Alamos for several years.
Florence, of Black Mountain, NC, was raised on her family’s farm. After completing high school, Florence graduated from Berea College in Berea, KY with a B.A. in Home Economics. Florence married Arthur Derick Mercer Jr., in 1945 in Black Mountain, N.C. The couple later moved to Fort Worth, TX, where Florence completed graduate-level courses at Texas Christian University in elementary education and social work and served as a Red Cross Case Worker and elementary school teacher. Florence and Arthur Mercer then settled in Longview, TX, where they lived for more than 50 years.
Florence was an avid bridge player and devoted member of the Longview First Presbyterian Church. Florence was also an active member of the Longview community, volunteering with the Good Shepherd Hospital Auxiliary and serving as a member of the Longview Garden Club, Women’s Forum, and Longview Civic Music Association. Florence also spent a great deal of time adoring her granddaughters. She will be remembered as a beautiful, gentle, and loving lady.
Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Mercer, her parents, Emil and Harriet Kirstein; brother, Ray Kirstein; and sister, Lillian Bahrich.
She is survived by her sister, Johanna (Bernie) Donaldson; daughter, Janet Mercer-Smith; and granddaughters, Julia, Rachel, and Alison Mercer-Smith.
A memorial service will be 10 am Thursday, December 31, 2015 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home with Rev. Kendall Land officiating with burial following at Rosewood Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Florence may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Longview or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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