EAST LIVERPOOL, OHIO – Phyllis Rawson Mercer was born July 9, 1926, in Friendly, WV and passed away on December 31, 2024, in East Liverpool, OH. Her parents were Tom and Pearl (Franks) Rawson. Phyllis had eight siblings: Vernon, Gay Arthur, Bill, Hilda, Carolyn, Joyce, Tom and Ben. For many years she was the only girl among her cousins and learned not to take any gruff from those boys. The Rawson family moved from West Virginia to Martin's Ferry, OH where Phyllis attended school. She almost always reminded her grandchildren of that fact when passing by the Purple Rider Stadium on the way to visit family down the river.

Following World War II, she moved north and began working at Homer Laughlin China Company with her aunt Georgie Klubert where she met her future husband, Homer. The two married on January 11, 1946, at the parsonage of the Baptist Church, and made their home in East Liverpool, Ohio. Homer passed away in September of 2024. They were married nearly 79 years.

Survived by her son Joe (Karen), their sons, John (Suzanne) and Mike. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Katlyn (Jimmy), Michael, Jojo, Morgan (TJ), Ethan and Jude Mercer. Left to cherish his memory are great-great grandchildren, Mikaela, Emma, Alice, Colson, and Bryson. She has one surviving sister, Carolyn Clough of Florida and many nieces and nephews. She loved her family deeply.

When Joe was young, they would board a train to Pittsburgh, where her parents had moved and visit for a few days. She and Homer took John and Mike on numerous summer vacations touring the United States from coast to coast and border to border. Some of the best trips though were to stay at the family farm with her parents in New Martinsville, WV. She took many bus trips with several Ladies' Groups as well. One favorite spot was Cape May, NJ. Bowling was a favorite hobby, spending many years as a member of the Ladies Bowling League in East Liverpool. Homer and Phyllis bought a retirement home in Florida, but never moved there permanently only staying for a few months at a time. Home was East Liverpool.

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of East Liverpool for decades serving on various boards and running the Sunday School Nursery. Phyllis was also a member of the East Liverpool City Hospital Auxiliary for more than 45 years working in the Snack Bar and Gift Shop – many years as Snack Bar Manager. She could be counted on to open the shop in good or bad weather (as she didn't live too far away), cook that day's soup special, and whatever else needed to be done. Phyllis was awarded Volunteer of the Year and gave nearly 10,000 hours of volunteer time during her career. She retired from the Snack Bar in 2015 right after her 89th birthday. She spent the past couple of years caring for Homer at home.

Friends may visit Sunday at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 12 to 2 p.m. Evangelist Will Montgomery of St. Clair Avenue Church of Christ will conduct a funeral service Sunday 2 p.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery.