Tina Dee Mercer

Tina Dee Mercer (75) a beloved and cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver, passed away peacefully surrounded by love at her home in Indianapolis on February 2, 2026. She was a woman who gave selflessly and loved unconditionally, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and devotion to family, friends and her church community that will be carried on for generations.

She was a faithful and active member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, where her servant’s heart and gentle spirit touched many lives. Whether through filling the Red Box for those who were in need of a bit extra to get through difficult times, caregiving, prayer, or quiet acts of compassion, she lived her faith daily and generously.

While raising her daughters, she was immensely proud to return to school at Indiana University, where she earned her nursing degree. She wanted to show her daughters that they could pursue careers they loved and feel deeply passionate about. She worked as a Medical-Surgical Nurse, serving patients at Riverview Hospital and Franciscan South. She went on to teach nursing students and loved her job after retirement of giving immunizations with her beloved friends, the “Garage Girls”.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Wayne Mercer; her mother, Mildred Wilson-Elliot; her father, Hugh Wilson; her mother-in-law, Marie Mercer-Yonts, whom she lovingly cared for, her father-in-law, David Mercer, as well as her granddaughter, Reagan Michelle Wolfe, and her special fur baby, Sunny, her Golden Retriever. She is also preceded by her special companion, Jack Pope.

She is survived by her sister, Teresa Smith Wilson and brother-in-law Dwight Smith, and their children; Shelley Roseman Smith, Douglas Smith and Amey Smith; her devoted children, Natalie Mercer Wolfe and Jessica Gray (Brent Gray). Her greatest joy was being “Grandma” to her treasured grandchildren: Samantha Marie Wolfe (27), Nathaniel Mercer Wolfe (24) Harrison Riley Wolfe (22), Grayson Fletcher (15), and Gavin David Gray (13). Each of them were deeply and unconditionally loved, endlessly encouraged, and held close in her heart.

Those who knew her will remember her for her warmth, her tireless care for others, and the way she made everyone feel safe, seen, and loved. Her home was a place of comfort, and her life was an example of grace, sacrifice, and unwavering love.

Though she will be profoundly missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that her love lives on in the lives she shaped and the faith she shared. She now enters her next journey beyond this world, embraced by those in her family and all whom she cared for so deeply. She left her family with the enduring belief that actions speak louder than words — to speak with kindness, be mindful of what you say, and, most importantly, to do what you promise.

Services will be held on Monday, February 9, with visitation from 11-noon and service following at noon with officiant Dick Nye presiding at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229). Burial will take place following the service at Washington Park East. Those who would like to participate are welcome.

Tina rescued many animals in her lifetime and In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift in her name. She loved animals and opened her home to them, and they felt her deep and authentic love in return. Donations may be made to Southside Animal Shelter, 1614 W. Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis, IN (317-781-0755). You may also honor her memory by filling the Red Box Food Pantry located outside in front of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 2015 S. Arlington Avenue, with non-perishable food items—an outreach she tended with great love and devotion.