THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 6, 1995 TAG: 9501040166
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Francis E. Mercer never had children of his own, but he had a father's heart.
He understood that growing up is not easy, especially amid the temptations of today's world. Kids make mistakes. When they do, they need guidance, support, opportunities.
He became a prime mover behind the formation of Chesapeake Volunteers in Court Services Inc., an organization that reaches out to youngsters caught up in the city's Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. He supported the program with his own money, time and energy and inspired others to follow his example.
Mr. Mercer died last week at the age of 81, leaving behind generations of young people whose lives his work had touched.
Among them was a young woman who confronted him in a hospital corridor some years ago.
``I was on drugs,'' she confessed to him. ``You talked with me for hours and hours and hours and changed things for me. Now, I'm a graduate nurse.''
She and countless others like her are Francis Mercer's enduring legacy. by CNB