Mary Mercer Harris Byrd

Mary Mercer Harris Byrd, 82, passed away at The Service League of Greenville Hospice House on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
She was preceded in death by her parents Mattie Little and Wilbur Harris of New Bern, NC. And a half-brother, Charles Cross from Scotland Neck. Mercer, as she was known to family and friends was born and raised in New Bern, NC, attended New Bern High School and then Kings Business College in Raleigh where she met and later married the late John Lafayette Byrd III, they had two daughters together.
Mercer is survived by daughters Mollie Frances Byrd Tripp and husband James of Winterville, and Mattie Mercer Byrd Rasberry of Greenville, three granddaughters Jamie Lauren Tripp, Brylie Tripp Whaley and husband Tyler and Katie Rasberry Smart and husband Daniel. A great grandson Jack Dennis Whaley also survives her.
Mercer served as an assistant clerk of Superior Court in Jones County for several years before becoming a medical transcriptionist for various facilities in the New Bern area. She later moved to Greenville due to health issues to be near her girls.
Mercer was a regularly active, strong-willed woman who raised her daughters with integrity, grace, and God's Will. She was a member of Oakmont Baptist Church in Greenville and was baptized as an adult in this church. She enjoyed reading, knitting, fishing, collecting antique blue willow and spending time with her family. She was regarded by all that knew her as a kind, compassionate, giving soul who would do anything for you. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, and great-grandmother and was loved by each life she touched. She will be missed by all that knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials my be made to ECU Health Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice c/o of Vidant Health Foundation, 690 Medical Dr., Greenville, NC 27834.