Nova Lee Neal Mercer left this world January 9, 2019 after a long, hard struggle with dementia. Formerly of Jonesboro LA, she was currently residing in Minden LA with her daughter. Born May 5, 1920, she was the daughter of William Henry Neal and Tamer Ettamae Anderson Neal. Early on she met and married the love of her life, Thomas Hilton Mercer.
Nova was sweet and caring with a quick wit. She was always happy and with her lovely voice would often be heard singing. An awesome wife and mother, her family had her full attention and took care of so many with never a complaint. She was a skilled seamstress winning numerous awards for her beautiful quilts, some of them her own design, and even demonstrating quilting for a two week stint at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC at the request of the Institute. Most of all she loved her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ to whom she’s been singing ‘take my hand, Precious Lord, lead me home’ for quite a while now.
Those preceding her were her husband, her parents, her 5 siblings and her children, Gloria Mercer Irvin Sexton, Sylvia Mercer Johnson Archer and Tracy Mercer. Also preceding was one grandson, Ricky Pace.
Surviving are her children, Becky Mercer Horton Talton and husband, Richard, Minden LA and Prentice Mercer and wife, Evelyn, Zachary LA. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Kim Johnson Lee, Princeton LA; Marvin (Butch) Johnson, Montgomery LA; Kenny Irvin, Jonesboro LA; Truett Irvin, Quitman LA; Mary Horton Hogue, Jonesboro LA; David Horton, Quitman LA and Sharon Pace Chustz, Zachary LA. Thirteen great-grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren also survive her.
Funeral services will be held Saturday January 12, 2019, at 10 am at the North Hodge Church of God, 5732 Quitman Hwy, Quitman LA, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Ruston LA. Interment will be at Springhill Cemetery, Jonesboro LA. Family will be receiving visitors at the church Friday January 11 from 5pm to 8pm.