Lelia M. Mercer

Monday, April 10, 2023

Lelia M. Mercer, 96, passed away April 7, 2023 at Hutsonwood of Brazil.

Lelia was born to the late Roy and Modesta (Moss) Johnson on Aug. 20, 1926.

Lelia graduated from Reelsville High School in 1944. After graduation, Lelia went to visit her boyfriend, Halford, who was preparing to be deployed overseas during World War II. During her visit, they decided to get married and they have been together ever since.

Lelia was a homemaker for most of her life. She loved taking care of her family. She was known for being a great cook. Besides being a mother of two, Lelia worked as a payroll clerk at Inland Containers in Indianapolis. She spent many years being the wife of a farmer, even working in the fields some.

Lelia was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, William Henry Johnson, a stepsister, Beverly Torr, a great-grandchild, Angela Mercer, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Lelia is survived by her loving husband, Halford K. Mercer; two children, Sonna M. Mehne and her late husband James R. Mehne Sr. and Gary K. Mercer and his wife McKarla; three grandchildren, Jim Mehne Jr., Bobby Mehne (Josie) and John Mercer; great-grandchildren Tyler Mehne, Kayla Mehne and Aiden Mehne; and siblings Angie Johnson and Kenneth Johnson (Shirley).

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 13 from noon-1 p.m. at Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave., Brazil. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., officiated by Pastor Steve Blaydes. Burial will follow at Calcutta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

To post a note of condolence, visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com.