Geraldine Anne Mercer, age 67, journeyed away from this physical world into the spiritual realm on May 9, 2018 safely into the arms of Jesus. Geri was born in 1950 in Michigan, a daughter of Russell H. and Amethyst G. (Vilas) Hemp and grew up in the Royal Oak area. She attended Dondero High School but in 1965 her father was transferred to Macomb, Illinois as one of the original 12 foremen that set up the Federal Mogul Bowers factory, now known as NTN Bowers. She graduated from Macomb High School in 1968 and entered Western Illinois University on a full scholarship, graduating in 1972. Her first marriage was in Macomb to Merle G. Mayhugh. They had one son, Willard Keith Mayhugh. Geri worked in Macomb after high school for Adams Discount Center and after college for Dr. C.H. Wheeler Optometrist. She moved to Canton, IL where she worked for G-M Plumbing Services as office manager. Later she was a teacher's aide and substitute teacher in the Canton School district. In 1988 she began a 14 year career working for the Macomb Post Office. In 1990 she married Donald R. Mercer in Macomb. A few years later they joined Shepherds Gate Church in Macomb. In 2002 she and Don moved to Florida and lived in Volusia County, most recently at Edgewater. in Florida they attended the Calvary Chapel of Port Orange and Deltona, but most recently were members of Edgewater Alliance Church in Edgewater, FL. While in Florida, Geri worked at the Sanford-Orlando Airport as a hostess in the International Guest Services area; then at VonAire A/C, Htg and Electrical as Receptionist, and last at The Motor Bookstore in Debary, FL as receptionist and customer service representative.
Geri loved to read. She was interested in genealogy and co-authored two books: a Mayhugh family history, and an 1850 McDonough County, Illinois Census transcription. She studied the Bible, and did needlework and crossword puzzles, took nature walks, and loved to ride her bicycle on the beach in New Smyrna Beach. She is survived by her husband, Don, of Edgewater, FL; her son Keith Mayhugh of Macomb, IL; step-children, Christopher Mercer of Connellsville, PA; Erin (Mrs. Ken) Duval of Huntington Beach, CA; Timarie (Mrs. Mike) Giarrusso) of Carlsbad, CA; five step-grandchildren; her brothers Bill Hemp of Kyle, TX and Jim Hemp of Traverse City, MI; and her sister Marge (Mrs. Gerry) DelNegro of Summerfield, FL/ In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to the Edgewater Alliance Church, FL or to Shepherds Gate Church in Macomb, IL. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, May 14, 2018 at Edgewater Alliance Church, 310 N. Ridgewood Avenue, Edgewater, FL 32139. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cardwellfuneral.com.

Published in Daytona Beach News-Journal from May 11 to May 12, 2018