THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
		      Daytona Beach, Florida
		      Wednesday, August 01, 2012
		      
   Wanda Whitaker Mercer, 86 years  old, died peacefully on Monday, July 30, 2012, at Florida Hospital Flagler with  her family at her side singing hymns.
Wanda Whitaker Mercer, 86 years  old, died peacefully on Monday, July 30, 2012, at Florida Hospital Flagler with  her family at her side singing hymns. 
  
		      Mrs. Mercer was a  lifelong resident of Flagler County and was born in Bunnell, Florida on  September 20, 1926. She held a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the  University of Florida and was an elementary school teacher for 30 years before  retiring. She taught literally thousands of Flagler County students and loved  them all. 
		      
		      She was a member of the  First United Methodist Church of Bunnell and was the Treasurer there for 40  years. During that time the books always balanced except for 1 penny over those  40 years that she could not account for, and she would joke about that often.  Mrs. Mercer was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an avid  reader of many subjects. Mrs. Mercer was an outstanding cook and any of the  family were always permitted to bring a friend by as there was always food  available and plenty of southern sweet tea in the refrigerator. She loved to  visit with everyone that stopped by. 
		      
		      At 12 years old she met  Ray Mercer, her childhood sweetheart. They fell in love and were married on  June 8, 1947. They remained in love and were married 65 years. 
		      
		      Wanda is survived by  her husband of 65 years, Ray; her daughter Rebecca Harper (Deen Wall); son  Louie Mercer (Tracey); daughter Martha Smith (Curtis) and Frank Mercer (Lynn).  She has nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. 
		      
		      The family will receive  friends on Friday, August 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the chapel of Craig-Flagler  Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Road S., Flagler Beach. Funeral Service  celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, August 4 at 10:00 AM in the  First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, 205 N Pine St., Bunnell, FL. Burial  will follow in Espanola Cemetery. 
		      
		      The family suggests  memorial contributions in memory of Wanda Mercer be made to the First United  Methodist Church of Bunnell or the Charity of one's choice. Arrangements are in  the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.