On March 16, 2018 Jean Dixon Mertens passed away in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the beloved wife of the late John E. Mertens; loving mother of John S. Mertens and Philip D. Mertens; and cherished grandmother of Ashley A. Hofferbert, Ted U. Mertens, and John P. Mertens.
Jean was loved by many including family members from across the country, long standing friendships from Cumberland, Maryland, beloved friends in Jacksonville, Florida from her church and Bible study groups to her neighbors or anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.
Jean was a 1949 graduate of St. Mary’s College in southern Maryland. She was crowned Ms. Maryland in 1947 and competed in the 1947 Ms. America Pageant gaining talent recognition for her vocal performance.
After graduating college, she worked for Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Cumberland, Maryland and went on to work for CSX Transportation until she retired at the age of 74.
Jean was married October 16, 1954 to John E. Mertens and resided in Cumberland, Maryland. She was shortly after blessed with two children, John S. Mertens and Philip D. Mertens. Jean devoted her time to raising her boys who meant the world to her.
Many years later, Jean became a grandmother to Ashley A. Hofferbert, Ted U. Mertens, and John P. Mertens. Jean loved her grandchildren and would visit with them in Westminster, Maryland and Centreville, Maryland any chance she could.
Anyone who met Jean knew how much her family, friends, and her faith meant to her. When she walked in a room, her smile and presence was known because she had that effect on anyone she met. She was equally beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside as she touched the lives of many with her generosity, love, kindness, laugh, and smile.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Jean’s name at Shriners Hospitals for Children Attention: Office of Development 2900 North Rocky Point Drive Tampa, Florida 33607.
Family and friends are welcomed to attend a Celebration of Jean’s life on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with a private subsequent burial with family in Maryland.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.
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