Dorothy P. Mercer

Dorothy Mercer Obituary Dorothy Evelyn (Powell) Mercer, daughter of the late James Edward Powell and Marjorie Owens Powell was born July 6, 1929, in Homestead, Pennsylvania. She departed this life January 29, 2024, at Kemper House in Highland Heights, Ohio. Dorothy graduated Class Valedictorian from Homestead High School in 1947. She received a four-year scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1951. In 1971 she earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Case Western Reserve University. Dorothy enjoyed a 35-year career in the Cleveland Public Schools as a Classroom Teacher (Clara Tagg Brewer and Hough Elementary Schools), Reading English Language Arts Supportive Teacher and Cluster Management Resource Teacher. Working with children was both her passion and her gift. She often spoke of lining up her dolls on the front steps of her home as her first classroom. She was known for her no-nonsense classroom management and skillfully taught new teachers educational strategies and techniques to assist with classroom operations. Her retirement in 1986 lasted only six months before she returned to Cleveland Public Schools as a Supportive Teacher. She found a second 10-year career as a consultant with Silver Burdett & Ginn and Steck Vaughn Publishing companies and as Field Services Supervisor for student teachers attending Cleveland State University. Dorothy was baptized into the fellowship of Clark Memorial Baptist Church in Homestead at an early age. After relocating to Cleveland, she joined Antioch Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member for over 70 years. She was active in the July Birthday Month Club and the Missions Scholarship Committee. On August 16, 1956, she was united in Holy Matrimony with the late Clarence K. Mercer. From this union her beloved son Michael was born. Throughout her life she was active in numerous community organizations. She was initiated into Mu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated on May 2, 1949, at the University of Pittsburgh serving as President from 1949-1951. After moving to Cleveland, she joined the Omega Chapter which later became the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter. Dorothy was an active member on numerous committees and chaired the Scholarship Committee multiple times. For 75 years she supported the Sorority and its service activities. For her efforts she was awarded certificates of appreciation from the Cleveland Public Schools, the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., and the Cuyahoga County Commissioners. A civic activist, she became a member of Eliza Bryant Village Auxiliary II in 1983. As chair of the Annual Holiday Mart, she raised thousands of dollars from family and friends to support their residents and programs. She served as President of Auxiliary II from 1994-1996, Member of the Board of Trustees 1996-2001 and Board of Trustees Chair from 2001-2005. She became a Life Trustee in 2011 and Auxiliary II Honorary Member in 2013. Dorothy collected elephants and bells and was known for her striking white hair, stylish attire, and apple pie. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Clarence K. Mercer, stepson Irving K. Mercer and her siblings, James Powell II, Wilbert Powell, and Hazel Powell. She is survived by her son, Michael B. Mercer, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy P. Mercer, please visit our floral store. Read More

Dorothy P. Mercer

July 6, 1929 - January 29, 2024