Margaret "Sherry" Sharon (Elmore) Mercer

Margaret Sharon "Sherry" Mercer (Elmore), 83 of Macomb, Illinois, left this Earth to join her Heavenly Father on December 20, 2021.

Sherry was born in Keokuk, Iowa on December 12, 1938 to her parents, Harry S. Elmore and Mary Margaret Elmore (Griffin).

After finishing her education in Keokuk Public Schools, Sherry and her second husband, John Coy relocated to St. Louis, Louisville and eventually California. It was there that she enjoyed a long career in the Food Service industry which ended with her serving as General Manager for a well known Barbecue Restaurant in Oakland. After that, she ran a successful Alameda, California Daycare Center.

Sherry enjoyed people and cooking. Nothing made her happier than preparing a large meal for family and friends on holidays. Especially at Christmas. She was a music lover, learning to play guitar at the age of 11 and developing a strong singing voice in the process. Her favorite style of music was Country/Western and she counted Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich and Charley Pride amongst her favorite artists. She was an avid collector of vintage teapots and stuffed rabbits/bunnies, all of which often served their purpose as conversation starters in and around her home. It was in those casual confabs where Sherry really shone, she was a people person who loved human connection on every level, but especially one-on-one over a cup of hot coffee..

Sherry is survived by her loving husband of over 30 years, Garry Mercer of Macomb and four children; April Ray (Davis) of Eagle, ID; Wayne Coy of Henderson, NV; Richard Coy of Medford, OR and Bonnie Hardman (Gunther) of Versailles, KY. She was blessed with 13 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings; Sisters Eva, Betty, Shirley & Dorothy and her Brother, James.      

Per her request, there will be no public ceremonies or services. The family will attend a private Memorial gathering. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Keokuk Area Community Foundation.  

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