Deloris Ann (Garretson) Mercer

On the day of our Lord, February 14, 2022, Deloris Ann (Garretson) Mercer “Mamaw” was joyfully received into the arms of Jesus, having passed away peacefully at her home in Pendleton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Erssie Garretson, in 2004, and by her late husband, Kenneth Mercer, in 2014, and her sister, Susie Hamlin, in 2017. While life is marked by the birth and death of a person, it is the journeys we walk that “form the dash” between those two dates. A literary great once said, “Hardships often prepare people for an extraordinary destiny.” -C.S. Lewis. Like a sunflower who turns itself to the sun, in her final days, Dee’s face was fixed on the light that never fades, Jesus. Prior to her passing, Dee said, “My bags are packed and I’m ready to go; I’m just waiting for the train to arrive.” - Deloris Mercer, 2022. Professionally, Dee spent decades in the service and care of others as a Registered Nurse. Her profession gave her the option to wear many hats, so-to-speak, and whatever the hat, whatever the occasion, Dee touched many, many lives of patients and families with her tender care, tender touch, and a passion for service. Personally, Dee loved to travel and to read. When she wasn’t traveling, you would often find a book in her hands. A quote from Anna Quindlen reads, “Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination and the journey. They are home.” After her retirement as an RN, Deloris took every opportunity to travel within the United States, seeing family and friends. Occasionally, she took to international travel, one of her most significant trips she took to China. Her home has been a reflection of her love of family, faith, friends, and exploration. Deloris is survived by her two brothers, Don and Sonny Williams; her three children: James Benslay, Daniel Benslay, and Dolly Wood; as well as 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thank you to Guardian Angel Hospice for all their love and care. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory, 200 West 53rd St, Anderson. Visitation will start at 11:00 am until the time of the service. In honor of Deloris, floral donations can be made directly to the funeral home. Please consider sunflowers, as they were her favorite flower. Please also consider nominating an outstanding nurse in your community for the Daisy award. For more information on the Daisy award, please visit: daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award

Deloris Ann (Garretson) Mercer

August 27, 1945 - February 14, 2022