Betty Ann Mercer, 88, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, June 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving children, husband, and sister.

Born at home “out in the sticks” near Griffin, Georgia, on October 18, 1936, Betty Ann was the daughter of the late Daisy Gladys and Horace Carr Byne. She grew up on a farm with vegetable and flower gardens, chickens, and cows, and from an early age found joy in the beauty of the natural world.

After graduating from high school, Betty Ann worked at the Borden Milk Company near Atlanta and later moved to Lakeland, Florida, to attend Southeastern Bible College. In 1958, she met William Rex Mercer, and just three months after their first date at Cypress Gardens, they were married. Together, they became educators and members of the Polk Education Association.

While teaching full-time in Frostproof and raising two young children, Betty Ann earned her master’s degree in school guidance and counseling from Rollins College in Winter Park. In 1975, the family moved to Lake Wales, where she worked at Hillcrest Elementary for more than 20 years, first as a second-grade teacher and later as a guidance counselor. She inspired a love of reading and learning in her students, and her dedication was recognized in 1988 when she was honored as Polk County Teacher of the Year.

Betty Ann was a committed member and leader at First Assembly of God, now Impact Church. She taught Sunday School and founded a Women’s Aglow fellowship. She had a passionate vision for the church’s new building to be located at the entrance to Bok Tower Gardens, where, after much prayer and negotiation, it indeed stands today. She truly embodied Edward Bok’s sentiment encouraging  people to make a difference in their world: “Wherever your lives may be cast, make the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

Betty Ann was cherished by all who knew her. She was calm, gentle, and kind – a nurturing presence who never spoke a harsh word. She gave of herself freely, caring for her family, her students, her church community, animals, and anyone in need. She was the heart of her family and a source of endless love, support, and quiet strength. She found much happiness in tending to her plants and garden, sitting outside watching the sandhill cranes, or reclining peacefully with a cat or two on her lap. The next time you see a butterfly, hear birds singing, or see a beautiful sunset, please take a moment to remember our sweet Betty Ann.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sister Joan and her brothers, Horace Jr. and Harmon Byne. She is survived by her faithful husband of nearly 67 years, William Rex Mercer; her sister, Nora Alice Chapman of Lake Wales; her brother, Dr. William Marcus Byne of the Bronx, New York; her loving daughter, Lanna Mercer Barbaroux and life partner, Eduardo Beltran of Austin; and her adoring son, William Steven Mercer, who cared for his mother with great devotion in her final years.

A celebration of Betty Ann’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.

Phillip Cole Tyler, 84

Phillip Cole Tyler of Lake Wales passed away at Advent Hospital, Lake Wales on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

He was born in Morristown, Tennessee to the late E. Eugene and Lucille C. Tyler on January 15, 1941. The family moved to central Florida in the late 1940s. His family opened several office supply stores in this area.

Eugene and Lucille operated the store in Lake Wales. Phillip served in the United States Army for three years right after high school and operated his own copy equipment company when he returned to Lake Wales. He took over operation of Tyler Office Supply when his father passed until his own retirement in 1998. He was an avid reader, enjoyed helping people, and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Lake Wales.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Lucille Tyler. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Tyler; son, Cole Tyler and wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Heather Tyler; brother, David Tyler and his wife Connie; and granddaughters, AnnMarie and SaraBeth Tyler.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 6, at 3:00 PM. Private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales.