Nannette K. Mercer, 90, of The Villages, FL, passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2025, with her family by her side. She was born on October 15, 1935, in Wilson, North Carolina, to the late William T. and Ruby E. Mercer. At a young age, she moved with her family to Norfolk, Virginia, where she later graduated from Norview High School in 1953 and attended Bluefield College in Bluefield, Virginia.

From early on as an adult, Nan carved her own path. She was proudly independent and confident to step outside the conventional roles of women of her era. She held leadership roles, owned her own businesses, traveled the world on her own terms, and raised her daughter as a dedicated single mother, passing along her traits of strength and compassion.

A natural entrepreneur, Nan opened the first of four retail office supply stores located in malls in Hampton Roads, Virginia, putting her determination, business savvy, and work ethic into every detail. She won numerous awards as a member of the National Office Products Association and held office in the Virginia Office Products Association. She eventually worked for FSIoffice for many years, where she was valued for her vast experience in the office supply industry, insight, and professionalism. She retired from there after relocating to The Villages in Florida to continue her active lifestyle.

Nan was always eager to embark on an exciting adventure. An accomplished world traveler, she circled the globe more than once and made it to six of the seven continents — happily skipping Antarctica, as she "never liked the cold." Her travels took her to places such as Hawaii, Canada, Thailand, China, Australia, Honduras, Israel, Greece, Turkey, the Caribbean and almost every country in Europe. As she celebrated her ninetieth birthday, she continued to plan new journeys, with trips to Australia and Cancun on her calendar at the time of her passing.

Nan's faith was a constant in her life as a long time, devoted member of the Episcopal Church, most recently worshipping at St. George Episcopal Church in The Villages, Florida. During her church life, she sang in the choir, served as a chalicer and lay reader, participated in Episcopal Church Women, Cursillo, was a Stephen's minister and was involved in parish life. She organized and modeled in Women's Guild fashion shows at several churches, served on vestry and as Senior Warden. Beyond church, she gave countless hours to community service, including her work with women's organizations like Quota International, and shelters for women and children, like Christian Care Center. Nan participated in several mission trips to Our Little Roses orphanage in Honduras.

What anchored Nan most, more than her remarkable travels and accomplishments, was the people she loved. She kept an impressively active calendar, but at the heart of it was her desire to spend time with others. Some of her happiest moments were spent around a table with friends, a deck of cards and glass of wine in hand, sharing laughter, stories, and companionship.

If you asked what achievement she was proudest of, she would say her family. She was the devoted matriarch of three generations, a joy that grew even deeper with the arrival of her great-granddaughter–her treasured fourth generation. Nan was "Nana" not only to her own family but to anyone who needed one, a role she embraced with many of her grandchildren's friends.

Nan is survived by her daughter, Melissa Waide (Bill) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; her grandchildren, Kenny Waide (Sarah) of Henrico, Virginia, Ryan Waide (Megan) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Holly Payne (John Michael) of Virginia Beach, Virginia ; and her great-granddaughter, Willow Waide, who held a special place in her heart. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Sabrina Waide of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Nan lived her life by the words she had displayed in her home: "Age is mostly a matter of the mind, and if you don't mind, it doesn't matter." In October, she celebrated her ninetieth birthday with her signature energy and joy, marking the day with her words of wisdom: "Have fun and enjoy life!"

A service in celebration of Nan's life will be held at Old Donation Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 11 AM officiated by Reverend Nelson Mendoza followed by interment of ashes and a reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christian Care Center in Leesburg, Florida ( christiancarecenter.org ).  Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com .

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