Edith Lucille Skinner Mercer, age 81, a resident of Desoto County for over 50 years, went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2025, following an extended illness. She was born on June 2, 1943 in Bartow, Florida to the late James & Madeline Skinner. She lived in Bartow for most of her childhood until she moved with her family to Arcadia in 1959. She graduated from Desoto County High in 1961. She was a former cosmetologist, having owned her own shop in Lake Placid for several years. After her children were grown, she worked for more than 20 years at Memorial Elementary School as a paraprofessional. She was the consummate housekeeper (you could eat off her floors) as anyone who knew her could attest. But her life's calling and mission was to be a caregiver, which she demonstrated so well in raising her children, caring for her grandchildren, her aging mother, other family members, and mentoring and influencing many of her students at school. She was a faithful and active member of North Hillsborough Baptist Church until her health began to fail.

She is survived by her children, Jimmy (Tamme) Fussell, Bobby (Julie) Fussell, Patrick Mercer, all of Arcadia, Kellie Mercer of Sebring, Florida, and Margaret (Shawn) Edwards of Arcadia; her aunt, LaVada Crooms of Bartow, Fl; eight grandchildren, Jamie (Bryn) Fussell, Robert Fussell II, Corey (Addison) Fussell, Justin Fussell, Laurel (Jonathan) Forman, Miranda Powers, Patton Mercer and Tyler Powers; great grandchildren, Livi Fussell, Kai Fussell, and one on the way, Evelyn Lucille Forman; and a large extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James LeRoy Skinner, and Madeline Skinner Hollingsworth; siblings Robert Skinner, Willie May Jefferies, Lamar Skinner, Grady Skinner and Carl Skinner.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 5PM to 7 PM at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough in Arcadia, FL.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 17, at 10 AM at the funeral home with Ellis Cross, Pastor of North Hillsborough Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Joshua Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Empath Tidewell Hospice, 919 N. Arcadia Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266, or Resource Angels, 253 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of Empath Tidewell Hospice for the loving and compassionate care given to Edith during her last days.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com .

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.