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Norma Jean Van Scoyoc Mercer

Norma Jean Van Scoyoc Mercer obituary

Norma Mercer Obituary

Mercer, Norma Jean Van Scoyoc, passed away peacefully January 23, 2013. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Survived by husband William Garner Mercer, daughters Dianne Madelon Mercer, Suzanne Michelle Grimmette, grandchildren Daniel Garner & Valerie Madelon Grimmette, and great grand-children Amber, Michael, Jessica and Emily. Norma Jean was a volunteer worker for her community and country since she went through boot training as a SPAR and was chosen Dade County's Outstanding Woman of 1960. She started volunteer work as a volunteer enlisted member of the U.S. Coast Guard (Temporary) Reserve Maintenance Unit in Miami during World War II. After her daytime War Department job at Miami Air Technical Service Command Base, she worked two nights a week (on a volunteer basis) as a Yoeman Third Class SPAR and devoted other nights to Red Cross Junior Hostess duties. She graduated College (University of Miami and Barry) and married William Garner Mercer June 12, 1950, son of pioneer family Mattie and John Homer Mercer, Sr. As a homemaker and mother of two daughters, much of her community service involved children. Starting in 1957 and until 1972 she volunteered one day a week at the Museum of Science & Natural History as a Staff Assistant and Guide for school children's tour. She was a member of the Museum Guild (served as President 1964-1965) and while her children were in school she was active in PTA work at Miami Shores Elementary School, Horace Mann and North Miami Junior and Senior High Schools. From 1958-1959 she served as President of Miami Junior Woman's Club. The club launched some of its most ambitious projects under her leadership. She aroused the member's interest in the South Florida State Hospital to the extent that they made one of the initial contributions ($500) to start the patient's library. When a drive was on to get the legislature to approve a separate facility for psychotic children at the hospital, she conducted a postcard campaign with all 125 active club members writing to the legislators. The legislature did not pass, and the club continued its support to the hospital with a $1,200 grant for mental health research. A medical scholarship of $1,000 at the University of Miami and a nursing scholarship at Jackson Memorial Hospital also began under her leadership, and the Florida Federation of Women's Clubs recognized the club's over all project with a first prize award for community service. She also found time for helping her sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, as an officer of ZTA House Corporation at University of Miami, Dade County Rush Chairman, Miami Alumnae President 1954-1956, and various committees of the Miami Panhellenic Association. From 1969-1971 she served as President of Miami Woman's Club (over 400 members) and had remained an interested and active member, always projecting those ideas and ideals highest and best for her club, community and country. Her theme for her administration was "AmericaKnow It-Cherish It-Live It. In 1972, after serving as a volunteer for almost ten years on the Board of Directors, she accepted the position of Executive Director of Day Nursery and devoted her time and effective efforts to serving 200 children of working mothers from age 2 to 9 by providing day care five days a week at two day care centers. This included a planned daily program of experiences and activities appropriate to meet the needs of each child in all areas of growth-academic, social, physical, educational and emotional. These children were low and middle income levels and through her efforts, a Federal Grant was obtained to cover services for a number of the children enrolled. Also, students from Florida International University, Barry College, Dade Community College, University of Miami and Lindsey Hopkins Education Center were permitted to intern at Day Nursery while others participated in numerous programs. She participated in many phases of childcare in her community and state helping to plan wisely for the betterment of all children in all areas of growth. She retired from Day Nursery July 1, 1990. She is included in "Julia's Daughters": Women in Dade's History. Page 188, listed in Who's Who of American Women and holder of the title of Dade's Outstanding woman of 1959. She was the past President of Woman's Relief Association, one of Dade County's oldest foundations and a member of Miami Shores Spade and Trowel Garden Club. She was a woman who lived her life without compromise to life's values. She was a kind, compassionate, generous and inspirational person and loved her family and friends and in return was loved by her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. A private service was held for family and a celebration of life for all her friends will be held at a later date friends.

Published by Miami Herald on Jan. 27, 2013.
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Ms. Mercer was an inspiration of hope to all of us at Children's Resources. Her kindness, and generosity helped hundreds of children with special needs develop to their fullest potential.
She was an incredibly sweet friend with a huge heart who touched the lives of so many. We, at Children's Resources, are honor to have known her. She will be forever in our hearts.
Our deepest condolence to her beloved husband, William and family.

Children's Resources

January 28, 2013

What a wonderful lady! May you have peace with her passing. Zeta Tau Alpha Love, Connie Lewis Page

January 27, 2013

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