Helaine H. (Hamilton) Mercer

Helaine H. Mercer, 76, of Salem passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2021. "Lainy" was born on April 16, 1945 the daughter of the late James and Lorna (Hughes) Hamilton in Industry, PA. The family moved to Salem in 1949. Helaine attended school in both Ft. Myers, Florida and Salem. She received her Ordination Certificate from Holy Spirit Bible College in Ladson, South Carolina. She and her mother Co-Pastored a church in Summerville, SC for 7 years. She and her two sons owned and operated Show Stoppers Styling Salon in Summerville, SC for many years. Helaine was a Child Advocate and trained in Houston, TX under Attorney Randy Burton and his staff. She became Executive Director of Justice for Children in the state of South Carolina. Helaine was a member of Solid Rock Community Church; where she was a member of the Finance Committee and the church Prayer Team. Helaine was a published author of a book titled "While America Sleeps."
She is survived by a son Mark Mercer of Salem, 2 daughters; Brittany (Joe) Mercer-DiPillo of Austintown, and Courtney Mercer of Salem. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Amanda (Daniel) Mercer-Spencer and Chelsea (Kareem) Walker of SC, Savannah and Lilliana DiPillo of Austintown, Caleb Lucente and Isaiah Mercer both of Salem, 8 great grandchildren whom reside in South Carolina, a nephew Rev. James (Patty) Barnes of KY, a daughter in law Sylvia Mercer of SC and a brother in law David Borrelli of Salem. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a beloved son, Thomas C. Mercer in 2013, her only sibling Lorna Rae Borrelli in 2017 and a nephew Edward "Teddy" Barnes in 2014.

Per her request a Private Graveside Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Salem. A Public Celebration of Life Service will be held at her church Solid Rock Community Church in Salem on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Friends and family may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.brownfhonline.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Salem (330) 337-6363.