Jo Natalyn Mercer

Jo Natalyn Scott Mercer was born on October 5, 1961 in Memphis, TN, to Joe N. and Mary Falls Scott. She was predeceased by her father; sister, Diana W. Faulkner; paternal and maternal grandparents; uncle, Earl L. Scott; and first cousins, Marcus Norris, Watarri Moore, and Kenton Moore.

Jo was baptized on Easter Sunday, 1962, at New Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church by the Reverend Freeman M Cooper. She later joined St. Peter’s African Methodist Episcopal Church on Easter Sunday, 1972, under the pastorate of the Reverend Walter W. Reid, Sr.

She attended Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Schools and graduated in 1979 from Northwest High School. Jo began her college education at Austin Peay State University in the fall of 1979 before transferring to Tennessee State University (TSU) in 1981 to join her brother. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and a Master of Education from TSU. Remarkably, she completed these degrees while working at the university and parenting a child who was actively involved in numerous activities.

On December 5, 1990, Jo married Timujim Mercer, and together they welcomed their son, Jonathan Jevon Mercer, in March 2000. Jonathan was the center of Jo’s world. She served as a devoted “team mom” for his academic and athletic endeavors, creating websites, working concession stands, and providing transportation for him and other children over the years.

Jo also supported military families and represented the 304th Battalion Military Wives at seminars across the country.

In addition to her devotion to her family and community, Jo was a masterful cook and grill master. Her home was renowned for its warm hospitality, and you could always find a hearty meal on the table. She delighted in preparing her signature dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, seafood gumbo, salmon croquettes, and chicken and dumplings. Jo was a fixture at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and even local events like TSU Homecoming,

Jo's commitment to Tennessee State University (TSU) spanned more than 30 years. She lived by the TSU motto to THINK, WORK, and SERVE, dedicating herself to the university and its students. She was an essential part of the TSU community, offering support to both faculty and students alike.

Jo is survived by her loving son, Jonathan Mercer; mother, Mary Falls Scott; devoted brother, Kevin (Joy) Scott; nephews, Kevin D. (Simone) Scott, Jr. and Simeon Jones; nieces, Lakeisha Nicole Upchurch and Maisha Kamil Faulkner; grandnephews, Nicholas Justin Jackson and Elijah F. Johnson; aunt, Annie Falls Moore; uncles, Cicero Falls, Anthony (Teresa) Falls, and Reginald (Melissa) Falls; Father of son, Timujim Mercer; first cousins,; Anika and Alana Moore, Joecleta Singleton, Naimah and Ilyas Ali Muhammad, Jamilla Washington, Princeton Smith, Shattara, Tia and Anthony Falls, Sarah (Alex) Cerda, Matthew (Jessica) and John M Falls, Reginald II and Morgan Falls, Gloria J Fletcher, Earl and Vernell Johnson, Annette M Scott and Kennith Kilpatrick as well as a host of other relatives and friends. 

In Lieu of Flowers: Donations may be made in Jo's honor to the Tennessee State University Scholarship Fund.