Lydia Elizabeth Murray Mercer was called to our Master's Kingdom on November 17, 2019 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. She was born on June 16, 1936, in Jackson, Tennessee as the first child to the union of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Lee and Virginia Elizabeth (Blackmon) Murray. Her three brothers, William Henry, Wayne Leroy and Robert Theodore preceded her in death. She leaves her brother Alexander Lee, Jr. and sister Marion Pauline in Tennessee.

Lydia graduated from Merry High School and attended Lane College in Jackson. She accepted Jesus Christ while attending Mother Liberty CME Church in Jackson, Tennessee. While attending college, she met Ralph Mercer and later married him. The union created four children, Denise (Bill) Timberlake, Chandra, Ralph, III and Randall Mercer. Ralph Mercer brought his bride home to Kansas City, Missouri where they lived for more than sixty years.

Once Randall was old enough to be tended to by an outsider, Lydia returned to the work force while attending the University of Kansas City (UMKC) where she received her Bachelors, Masters and Specialists degrees in Education. Her work ethic was strong as she began her teaching career as a teachers' aide at the Head Start Program until she landed her first teaching job at Van Horn High School. She then transferred to Northeast High School where she taught English classes until her retirement in 2003. After retiring, Lydia joined the Kansas City Association of School Retiree's.

Her hobbies included playing the piano and apparel shopping. She enjoyed playing golf and was good enough to win many golf tournaments. Lydia also organized and was the Mistress of Ceremonies of several golf tournament fashion shows.

Lydia Mercer became a member of St. James United Methodist Church in the late 1970's where she joined many ministries with her favorite as a singer in the church's Mass Choir. Her joys were teaching and singing. She taught her children and grandchildren all she knew. She taught us to be proud of our heritage, our "Roots" and to learn from the past; not of hatred, but of love and through that love comes strength to overcome obstacles life throws our way.

In the later years, Lydia, could not recall memories of her siblings, her upbringing, or her teaching experiences, but she always called on the name of Jesus Christ to give her strength. Lydia listened to classical music and sang hymns to soothe her soul.

Lydia leaves to celebrate her life: her husband, Ralph Mercer, Jr.; daughters, Denise (Bill) Timberlake, Chandra Mercer; sons, Ralph Mercer, III, Randall Mercer; grandchildren, DeVell Williams, Rani Joni Mercer, Imani Mercer, Ralph Alexander Mercer, IV, Calvin Garrett, Jr.; great grandchildren, DeVell Williams, Jr., Journey Bullock, Delano Shipman; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Funeral services Saturday, November 30, 10:00 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.