Lucy Ann Mercer

She was born in Fairbury, Illinois on July 19, 1935 to the late Goldie Marie Cording-Hill & the late George Andrew (Andy) Hlavas.

She began her lifelong devotion to church music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairbury, Illinois. Baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Fairbury, she grew up at Trinity Lutheran Church in the same town, where she was confirmed in 1947. At just four years old, she recited her first Christmas poem there, and by age six she sang her first solo, “The Christmas Babe.” As a teenager in 1948, she began playing the organ at Trinity, a role that marked the beginning of decades of faithful service. Throughout her life, she served as an organist and choir director in Lutheran and Methodist churches, sharing her love of music as both a church musician and a middle school choir educator. Her dedication to music and ministry continued uninterrupted throughout her life.

Lucy received her Bachelor of Music Education from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. For the majority of her music educational career, she taught at Roehm Junior High School in Berea, Ohio, where she inspired generations of students through her love of music and her unwavering encouragement. Many of her students remember her with deep fondness. She once wrote, “Some of the kinds of ideas I have and try to practice are: be kind, truthful, work hard, help others, and be thankful.” She truly lived by these words, taking a special interest in each individual student, as well as in the students of her husband, extending her care and guidance far beyond her own classroom.

She had a special compassion for those who were often overlooked, reaching out in quiet ways to help those who were ill or without family. She never sought recognition for these acts, simply living out her belief in caring for others.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a constant source of support to her family. She took an active interest in her husband’s musical endeavors, participating in and encouraging his work, and sharing in the joy of music together.

Lucy was preceded in death by James Keith Mercer, her husband of 58 years; her parents, George A Hlavas and Goldie M Cording-Hill; her sister, Andrea Jean Green-Hlavas; five step-brothers; and her son-in-law, Ramon Lagman.

She is survived by three daughters: Deborah Schram (George), Rebecca Lagman, and Martha Marti (Vincent); with 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to please consider making a donation to Children’s International, PO Box 219055, Kansas City, Missouri 64121 (800-888-3089) in her name. Lucy had a large 3-ringed book of all the children she gave to throughout the past 40 plus years.

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