×

Helaine H. Mercer

SALEM — Helaine H. Mercer, 76, of Salem passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

“Lainy” was born on April 16, 1945 the daughter of the late James and Lorna (Hughes) Hamilton in Industry, Pa.

The family moved to Salem in 1949. Helaine attended school in both Ft. Myers, Fla. and Salem. She received her Ordination Certificate from Holy Spirit Bible College in Ladson, S.C. She and her mother co-pastored a church in Summerville, S.C. for seven years. She and her two sons owned and operated Show Stoppers Styling Salon in Summerville, S.C. for many years.

Helaine was a child advocate and trained in Houston, Texas under Attorney Randy Burton and his staff. She became executive director of justice for children in the state of South Carolina. She was a member of Solid Rock Community Church, where she was a member of the Finance Committee and the church Prayer Team. She was a published author of a book titled “While America Sleeps.”

Helaine is survived by a son, Mark Mercer of Salem, and two daughters, Brittany (Joe) Mercer-DiPillo of Austintown and Courtney Mercer of Salem. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Amanda (Daniel) Mercer-Spencer and Chelsea (Kareem) Walker of South Carolina, Savannah and Lilliana DiPillo of Austintown, Caleb Lucente and Isaiah Mercer, both of Salem; eight great-grandchildren who reside in South Carolina; a nephew, the Rev. James (Patty) Barnes of Kentucky; a daughter-in-law, Sylvia Mercer of South Carolina; and a brother-in-law, David Borrelli of Salem. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a beloved son, Thomas C. Mercer in 2013; her only sibling, Lorna Rae Borrelli in 2017; and a nephew, Edward “Teddy” Barnes in 2014.

Per her request a private graveside burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Salem. A Public Celebration of Life Service will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at her church Solid Rock Community Church in Salem.

Friends and family may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.brownfhonline.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Salem 330-337-6363.

5/10/21