Jearldene Mercer Hamilton

Jearldene Mercer Hamilton, 79, died August 19, 2025. She was born in Jackson County, Florida to Henry Grady and Laura Queen Ester Mercer on August 28, 1945.

She was married to the love of her life for 58 years when he died on August 4, 2022. They started their life together in Chattahoochee, Florida before homesteading in Grand Ridge, Florida a few years later. They went on to build Hamilton Farms and were best known for their expansive vegetable crop every summer and prime beef that so many enjoyed.

Jearldene was known as a tireless worker who loved her family and community dearly. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She and Donald loved to travel to see them and enjoyed all the new experiences along the way.

She retired from the Florida State Hospital after 35 years of faithful service. She was often found alongside her husband and children working their vegetable farm on evenings and weekends. She was always small in stature but driven, tenacious, and tough as she and Donald worked hard over the years to expand opportunities for their family beyond their humble beginnings.

Jearldene was a devout and loyal Christian with an unwavering faith to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She actively served as a member of Cypress Grove Assembly, Welcome Assembly, and presently, Emmanuel Holiness Church.

She ministered in gospel music in both groups and as a soloist. Her voice was a gift and she enjoyed connecting with so many in churches across the southeast.

Jearldene was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Donald Hamilton; her parents; and her brothers, Alva, Colon, Rubin, and Doug Mercer.

She is survived by her son, Keith (Cheryl) Hamilton; daughters, Diane (Kevin) Dennin and Lori Dawn (Keith) Chambliss; sister, Judy Mercer; sister-in-laws, Edna Mercer, Frieda Mercer, Diane Mercer; grandchildren, Trevor Johnson, Joshua Hamilton, Payton Edenfield, and Tyler Hamilton.

Funeral services will be 10 AM, Friday, August 22, 2025, at Emmanuel Holiness Church, 3502 Sand Ridge Church Rd, Sneads, FL, 32460, with Revs. Charles Jackson and Eva Howell officiating. Interment will follow in Dellwood Baptist Cemetery with Rev. Mike Allen speaking and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

Visitation will take place 5-7 PM, Thursday, August 21, 2025, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.