Kathryn Janelle (Finley) Mercer

Kathryn Janelle (Finley) Mercer of Muskogee, Oklahoma, passed away on December 14, 2024, in Sugar Land, Texas, surrounded by her four sons—Gary, Clark, Brian, and Brent—and her loving husband of 66 years, James “Jim” N. Mercer.

Kathryn was born on September 1, 1937, the daughter of Madge Bemo and Samual Finley. She and her siblings, Aundria and Fred Finley, grew up in Oklahoma, attending junior high and high school in Muskogee before continuing her education at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah. In 1965, Kathryn made her way to Texas, which became her beloved home for the rest of her life.

Kathryn had a deep and abiding love for Christ, which she shared with people far and wide, from her local community to all over the world. Her career at Exxon provided her with unique opportunities to connect with colleagues and their families, often incorporating her faith into her work by sharing favorite scriptures in reports. These messages traveled as far as Canada, Australia, and Colorado, leaving a lasting impact on those who received them.

Kathryn’s spiritual journey began at the age of 9 at Eastern Heights Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She carried her faith with her through each chapter of her life, making meaningful connections in every city she called home. She served faithfully at Fellowship Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma; College Park Baptist Church in Houston, Texas—where she taught Sunday school and directed the nursery; Westbury Baptist Church in Houston through the Women’s Missionary Union; and Sugar Creek Baptist Church, where she served as secretary on the long-range planning committee.

Kathryn had a natural talent for sewing, creating beautiful handmade drapes for various establishments, as well as for family and friends. Beyond her sewing, she enjoyed crafts and shared her faith in creative ways. Some of her favorite hymns included “Amazing Grace” and “Bow the Knee,” and one of her favorite scriptures was the 23rd Psalm.

On October 19, 1958, Kathryn married the love of her life, James “Jim” N. Mercer. Together, they raised four children and welcomed many grandchildren into their family, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Kathryn is survived by her devoted husband, James “Jim” N. Mercer; her children, Gary Mercer, Clark Mercer, Brian Mercer, and Brent Mercer; her sister, Aundria Finley; and her grandchildren, Adam, Anna, Jordan, Taylor, Payton, Nathan, and Gage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Madge Bemo and Samual Finley, and her brother, Fred Finley.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their prayers and support. A celebration of Kathryn’s life will be held at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church, located at 13213 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11 am.