Mary Kate Mercer

Mary Kate was born on a small farm in south Georgia to Baker and Mary Griffin on December 21, 1935. After her father died at an early age, she went to live with H.Y. (Tuffy) and Ethel Griffin in Auburndale, Florida. She attended High School in Auburndale and graduated in 1953 with honors. She then attended college at Florida State University.

While at FSU, Mary Kate met her future husband, Earnest Mercer, and they were married in 1955 and lived in Tallahassee, Florida. She later gave birth to a son, Brant and daughter, Deborah. Over the years and due to Earnest's job, Mary Kate lived in many places both in the U.S. and in other countries where she traveled the world. 

Mary Kate enjoyed playing bridge and tennis. She was also an accomplished china painting artist for which she received many awards for her work. She was an avid bird watcher, identifying many types of birds over the years.

Mary Kate's survivors include her husband Earnest, her two children Brant and Deborah.

Memorial service will be held on May 9, 2025 at 10AM at First Presbyterian Church of Auburndale, 410 Pilaklakaha Avenue, Auburndale, Florida, 33823. Phone: 863-967-1010. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Auburndale, Florida, or to a charity of one's choice.