Mrs. Mattie Mercer

Mattie Rose Mercer was born on July 20, 1934, in Itasca, Texas. She was the cherished daughter of Ruth Odessa Scott and Frank Miller. After the untimely passing of her mother, Mattie was lovingly raised by her cousin Jessie and her husband George Greenlaw, who took her in at the tender age of 5. Mattie was preceded in death by her mother and father, her stepmother, Mary Miller, her brother, Charles Parrino, and her beloved daughter, Terri Simmons. She grew up in Holdenville, Oklahoma, where she attended elementary and middle school. Later, Mattie moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to live with her father and stepmother during her high school years. She graduated from R.T. Coles Vocational High School in 1952, where she earned a certificate in dressmaking. Mattie also attended Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma, as she pursued her passion for learning. Mattie worked diligently throughout her life, dedicating many years of service to her family and community. Her career included roles as a nurses' aide at St. Joseph Hospital, an inspector at Rival Manufacturing Company, Tension Envelope, and eventually retiring as an inspector at Syntex/Roche. In 1955, Mattie married her beloved husband, Weldon Eugene Pearson Sr. Together, they raised three children: Theresa, Weldon "Bo" Pearson, and Terri. In 1982, Mattie was blessed to find love once again with Joseph Mercer. They were united in marriage on May 27, 1984, and shared a devoted love for 43 years. Faith played a central role in Mattie's life. She accepted Christ as a child at the United Methodist Church in Holdenville, Oklahoma, and maintained a steadfast commitment to her faith throughout her life. Mattie was a dedicated member of St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, where she continued to serve the Lord until her passing. Mattie is survived by her husband, Joseph Mercer; her sisters, Mary Miller and Deborah Taylor; her children, Theresa Thomas (Ray), and Weldon "Bo" Pearson (Jacquie); her grandchildren, Secah Shahib, Brandon Pearson, Weldon Pearson III, Selma Shahib Williams, Montay Simmons (Jennifer), Mariah Pearson, Theresa Pearson, and Morgan Jones; 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends, including her lifelong best friend, Kay Porter, who she cherished for over 70 years. Mattie’s legacy will live on through her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched with her love, wisdom, and kindness. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Funeral Services are pending. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolence may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mrs. Mattie Mercer

July 20, 1934 - November 14, 2025