Dianne Mercer Williams (Courtesy)

Mrs. Carol ‘Dianne’ Mercer Williams, 78, of Pulliam Mill Road, Dewy Rose, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, surrounded by family and close friends. She was the wife of 48 years to Robert Daniel Williams, Jr.

The third of four children, Dianne was born in Elberton on September 23, 1947, daughter of the late Robert Lauren “Bud” Mercer and Maude Elizabeth Burden Mercer.

A proud 1965 graduate of Elbert County High School, her career began at Elberton Manufacturing Company before she went to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dianne dedicated over 30 years of service to the Corps, retiring from the Hartwell Project in September 2007 as an Operations Support Specialist. Throughout her career, she selflessly mentored numerous young people, instilling in them not only professional skills but life lessons they would carry with them forever. Her love of antiques led her to, along with her step-son Jeff, operate Dewy Rose Treasures for many years.

Dianne was an excellent cook who was widely known for making the best cheese straws. She found great joy in reading, being outside soaking up the sun, and spoiling her beloved fur babies Pepe, Razzy, and Gizmo. Dianne’s smile could brighten any room in which she entered, and her hugs could make anyone’s day. She was a friend to many, and prided herself in putting the needs of others before herself - always extending a helping hand, sharing a warm home cooked meal, or simply offering a listening ear to anyone in need.

Dianne is lovingly remembered by her husband Robert, who was the love of her life; sister, Sara Margaret Vaughn and Calvin of Elberton; brother, Gary Mercer and Tanya “Sam” of Dewy Rose; and her best friend, Karen Brown Johnson of Elberton. She also leaves behind her step-children: Jeffrey Williams and Terri of Elberton, Jonathan Williams of Elberton, and Julie Easterburg and Von of Dallas, NC; step-grandchildren: Parker Williams and Destiny, Fallon Simpson and David, Devon Easterburg and Taylor, and Breanna Easterburg and Nathan; and step-great-grandchildren: Wyatt Williams, Sabel Williams, Adien Easterburg, and Waylon Easterburg. Dianne's siblings blessed her with their children that she loved as her own, including: Margaret Ann Parker and Daniel, the late Robert Vaughn and Laurie, Brandon Mercer and Brittany, and Sean Mercer and Summer; and great-nieces and nephews: Mathew Parker, Byron Parker, Lucas Vaughn, Logan Vaughn, Liam Vaughn, Madelyn Mercer, and Claire Mercer.

Along with her parents and nephew, she is preceded in death by brother, Rabun "Ray" Mercer; and many fur babies who were waiting for her at Heaven's gate.

A time of visitation celebrating Dianne's life will be held on Thursday, March 19, from 6:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

She was adamant that she wanted no formal service, and the family is honoring her request. Burial will be private in the Stinchcomb United Methodist Church Cemetery where will be laid to rest among generations of ancestors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dianne's memory to the Elbert County Humane Society, Post Office Box 267, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Carol ‘Dianne’ Mercer Williams.

This announcement courtesy of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.