Clara Brewer Mercer

Mrs. Clara Brewer Mercer, age 100, of High Springs, FL, went to be with our Lord and Savior at Haven Hospice in Chiefland on July 24, 2024. She was born on March 2, 1924, in Hazard, KY, to Dan and Eliza Brewer. In her younger years, she was a factory worker in Ohio, she later became a homemaker. Her and her husband settled in Carlisle. Mrs. Mercer was a Christian woman who loved God and she read her Bible daily. She loved bluegrass music, gospel music, Sunday TV preachers, cooking shows, and Wheel of Fortune. She also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds through her living room window and loved pretty flowers. 

She became friends with her neighbor, Cheryl O’Quinn, in 2010, and Cheryl became her primary caretaker. Cheryl’s family became her family and she referred to Cheryl’s grandchildren as her own grandchildren. Cheryl introduced her to Daren Millim in 2017 and he later provided her with a loving 4-legged companion, Rocket. The two were inseparable. She often referred to Rocket as a “gentleman” but ultimately her “baby”. He was with her until the end. 

Lisa Fleming was another caretaker who became a dear friend. Mrs. Mercer had friends back home in Ohio, like Homer and Cathy Johnson, who would make long distance trips to visit with her. She was grateful to be able to spend her last years at her home, as an independent woman. Mrs. Mercer was thankful for the people who helped make that possible, like Jeff, Jeannette, and Julie from Eldercare, who would bring her meals, desserts, and a little treat for Rocket. She also appreciated the times Renae Layfield would sit with her and for her neighbor, Roth, who would walk Rocket daily. When Mrs. Mercer turned 100, they held a neighborhood party and parade for her. She would frequently look back at that day and say, “that day was a good day”. 

Mrs. Mercer was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie; her daughters, Faye and Judy; both parents; her sister, Christine; and her five brothers, Leonard, Elmer, Kelly, Burleigh, and Marshall.Mrs. Mercer lived through 17 presidents and wasn’t afraid to voice her political opinion. At the end, she said she has lived a good life. She will be missed by many who loved her.

A funeral to honor Clara's life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 4:30 pm at Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. 352-463-8888. www.WastonMilton.com