Ms. Mercides Carter of 1006 North Philema Road, Leesburg, Georgia, died Saturday, February 7, 2026, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Leesburg, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Sue Walker Cemetery in Desoto, Georgia.

The earth was graced with the presence of a beautiful and gentle spirit named Mercides Carter on January 6, 1943, born to the late Mospell and Emma (Nelson) Carter.

Mercides, affectionately known as "Merk" was raised in DeSoto, Georgia (Sumter County), and was a proud graduate of Lee County training school class of 1961.  Her collegiate education consisted of having a Bachelor of   Science degree in Education and a Master of Education degree (Albany State University) conferred upon her.

After completing her college education, Mercides devoted her professional life to the field of education, faithfully serving the Sumter County Board of Education.  She was a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and with unwavering dedication, she lovingly nurtured, inspired and touched the lives of countless young students.  Her teaching journey led her to Southeast Elementary School, Furlow Grammar School, Cherokee Elementary School and Sarah Cobb Elementary School,  retiring after rendering 36 years of dedicated service.

Mercides accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of New Beulah Baptist Church and later Jackson Grove Baptist Church in Leesburg, Georgia, where she worshiped with her family.  Her light continued to blaze at Shady Grove Baptist Church where she served as Church secretary, Financial secretary, a member of the Missionary Ministry and Senior choir.

"Mercides carried a quiet strength and a calm, humble spirit, yet she remained unwavering in her convictions." She found joy in life, doing what she loved most.  An avid reader who enjoyed traveling, savoring good food, relaxing in her rocking chair on the porch, listening to her favor Motown hits, singing in her opera voice and spending cherished moments filled with love and laughter with her family, the Golden girls, her sister-girlfriends and her beloved church family.

When Mercides began to face health challenges, her loving and devoted sisters, Dorothy and Willia rallied around her to provide care, comfort and support.

Mercides was a loving and supportive sister and friend, who inspired and encouraged others.  Her warm and welcoming spirit will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Mercides leaves a legacy of love to her beloved sisters:  Dorothy Mercer, Willia Seabrooks (Joseph) and Betty Vereen; niece:  Keisha Vereen; nephews:  Jessie Mercer, Jr., Cedric Carter and Romero Seabrooks; great nieces:  Sunali, Iylah, Crisalida and Chaplin Carter and Kalila Jackson; devoted friends:  Dr. Utha Dowdell, Marilyn and Bobby Waters, Barbara Andrew, Shirley G. Reese, Frankie Sampson, Walker M. Locks, Camila Holmes, Faye Jackson, Odessa Ford and Golden Girls:  Ida B. Daniel, Kate Simmons, and Venus Williams, Elizabeth Styles, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Smith, Ardie Jackson, Mammie Robinson, Dr. Brooks Robinson, Reverend & Mrs. Daniel Clinton, Otis   Westbrooks, Willie Lee Jones, and Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bryant; and a host of cousins, and lifelong friends.

Besides her parents, Mercides was preceded in death by her brothers:  Walker Carter and Roosevelt Carter.