Funeral services for Lillie “Lil” Joyce Mercer, 85, of Washington will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at the Washington Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mrs. Mercer passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in her home.
Lillie Joyce Harris was born May 17, 1940 in Purcell, Okla., the middle child of Henry Grady Harris and Rosa Emma (Farmer) Harris.
She began school in the Johnson Community, later graduating from Purcell High School with the Dragon Class of 1957. She raised two sons, Jeff and Mike.
Known, affectionately as “Lil”, she worked in interior design, specializing in custom drapery. Her knack for design and infectious personality served her well in her career. She worked for Mathis Brothers Furniture for 20 years, and simultaneously owned and operated Interiors By Lil.
Lil’s life would change forever when she met Ronnie Fred Mercer. They were the perfect couple, and married on April 7, 1984. They first made their home in Oklahoma City, before settling in Washington in 1988.
Away from work, Lil enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with Ron. She also enjoyed lake trips, waterskiing and wakeboarding. At age 79, you would see her wakeboarding just because she could. She was fortunate to travel the world with Ron, and enjoyed annual trips to Sturgis on her custom Chopper. She was an excellent cook and will be forever remembered for her fried chicken, chicken n dumplings and chocolate chip cookies.
Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, and she wouldn’t miss a birthday party or various other activities. She cherished Ron, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Rosa Harris; her granddaughter, Summer Stephens; her grandma, Lillie Farmer and siblings, Patsy Stephens, Bill Harris and Bobby Ray Harris.
Lil is survived by her best friend and life partner, husband Ron Mercer; grandchildren, Brad Stephens, Casey Stephens, Brandy McCalip and husband, Brian, Ryan Stephens and Krystal Rittenhouse; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and a host of other family and friends.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.