Jo Ann Marks Mercer's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jo Ann Marks Mercer of Germantown, TN. Jo Ann was born on May 18, 1934 in Drew, Mississippi and went home peacefully to the Lord on March 5, 2023 at Kirby Pines Retirement Community. As a child Jo Ann attended Drew Public Schools and later moved to Germantown, TN where she graduated from Memphis State University with a BA degree in English and was a member of the Alumni Association. On January 23, 1982 Jo married Del E. “Spanky” Mercer.
Jo Ann was Executive Secretary for Dr. William B. Cockroft, the late former CEO of United Inns, Inc., for 20 years. Prior to United Inns, Jo Ann served under the late Jack Ramsay, Chairman of the Shelby County Commission. Jo Ann became a member of the Germantown Methodist Church in 1966 and served on the Administrative Board, Staff Parish & Nominating Committees and also sang in the Chancel Choir. She was a member of the Memphis Symphony League, Suburban Garden Club, and Pegasus organization of Germantown. She was an outstanding member of the 19th Century Club and was a Crested Lady of St. Jude Hospital. She was Director of Germantown Community Theater for 6 years and President of the Board of Directors for 3 years.
Jo Ann and her husband Spanky were avid sports enthusiasts and season ticket holders to the University of Memphis Tigers, basketball and football games.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents William C. Marks Sr & Lena Mae Marks and her siblings Gwendolyn M. Moore, Charles “Jona” Marks, Robert L. Marks of Memphis TN, William C. Marks of Fairfield, CA, and Martha M. Butler of Germantown, TN.
Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 41 years, Del E. “Spanky” Mercer her step sons, Shane and Trevor Mercer of Chattanooga, 6 nieces and nephews, 5 step grandchildren, 1 great step grandchild, 8 great nieces and nephews, and 5 great grand nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Saturday March 18, 2023 at Germantown United Methodist Church, 2331 S. Germantown Road, Germantown, TN. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. with service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow immediately after the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Jo Ann to St. Jude Hospital or Germantown United Methodist Church.
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