Sylvester Mercer, 91, of 147 Newline Road, Avondale, N.C., passed Monday, March 17, 2008, at 3:40 a.m. at Rutherford Hospital, Rutherfordton, N.C.

Both in Rutherford County, N.C., he was the widower of Vinessa Surratt Mercer and son of the late Benjamin Mercer and the late Isabella Whittenburg Mercer. He was a member of Haynes Grove Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, trustee and member of the All Male Choir. He was retired from Duke Power Company and was a Mason at Unionville Lodge 729 in Spindale, N.C.

Surviving are a son, Theodore Mercer of Cincinnati, Ohio; a daughter, Jennie Mae Watkins of Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, one of them, Jammal M. Philips, was reared in the home; four greatgreat grandchildren; a special nephew, James Lee McSwain; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Services will be held Friday, March 21, at 3 p.m. at Haynes Grove Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. David Vernon, Charles Webber, Ramon Gibbs, Arthur J. Smith, Dr. L.W. Jackson and the Rev. Dr. Edward D. Brantley. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Body will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. and the family will receive friends at 2:30 p.m.

The family is at the home, 147 Newline Road, Mooresboro, N.C.

Arrangements by Foster Funeral Home, Gaffney.