Laverne Mercer

Syble Laverne Mercer passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at the age of 98. A lifelong resident of Kilgore, Texas, Laverne was born on August 1, 1927, in Seminole, Oklahoma, to John Dale ("Rock") Hill and Ada Elizabeth Gabbard.

Affectionately known as "Granny," Laverne was the proud matriarch of a large and loving family. On December 31, 1943, she married the love of her life, Talmadge Mercer, and together they built a beautiful life and family.

They were blessed with six children: Pamela Mercer McWilliams, Jeff Mercer (Barbara), Deborah Hollowell (Morris), David Mercer (Martha), Bryan Mercer (Chelly), and Mary Burton (Clay). Granny was the heart of her family, which grew to include thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She found her greatest joy in spending time with them, often hosting family gatherings filled with laughter, games, and the tea parties she so loved to plan. A woman of deep faith, Laverne was a lifelong member of Forest Home Baptist Church, where she held the honor of being both the oldest and longest-standing member. Her favorite book of the Bible was James, and she lived its teachings daily — with humility, kindness, and steadfast love. She often said she asked the Lord each night how she could be so favored and blessed. Laverne also cherished her time working at Chandler School, where she had a special gift for connecting with and caring for children with special needs. She often said those were some of the happiest years of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Talmadge Mercer, her grandson Justin Talmadge Mercer, all her siblings, and her son-in-law Jim McWilliams.

Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons: Matthew Hollowell, David Hollowell, John Mercer, Jacob Mercer, Jeffery Mercer, James Mercer, Jared Mercer, Josh Burton, and Jon Tyler Mercer, with Justin Mercer serving as honorary pallbearer.

Laverne will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of family, her joyful spirit, and her warm heart.

Graveside services for Laverne Mercer will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Danville Cemetery Pavillion with Rev. Riley Pippen officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore.