Jolene Mercer Morgan

Jolene Mercer Morgan, 74, of Grand Saline, passed away December 6. 2025, in Tyler. She was born March 2, 1951, in Lawrenceville, IL, to Tyrus & Elosia Pipher Mercer. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, John William Baldwin, Jr.; and two grandsons, John David Baldwin, Jr., and Travis Phillips. Jolene lived in multiple places growing up with their father working for Standard Oil. She attended Southeastern Illinois College. After college she was the manager of Sears Memorial City Automotive Center in Houston Texas where she met John Baldwin. They were married until he passed away in 1992.

In 1997 she married Jimmie Morgan. Jolene led a life of service in Longview. She was the office administrator of St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Elder, prepared the food for Wednesday night supper, and organized and taught the crafting circle. Service to the community was a priority: Executive Director of Habitat of Humanity, Curriculum Director of Longview Child Development Center, teacher of court mandated parenting classes and teacher of the Montessori School.

In retirement, Jimmie and Jo moved to Grand Saline where they are devoted to their church, First United Methodist Church. She served in leadership, designed the floral arrangements for the sanctuary, and chaired the "Crafters" group. She loved fashion and worked for two of her best friends in boutiques helping women all over East Texas dress well.

Survivors include her husband of 29 years, Jimmie F. Morgan of Grand Saline, children, John David Baldwin of Cypress, Deborah Wiedemann of Houston, Dana Gray (John) of Lorena, Jimmie Ray Morgan (Marta) of Canton, and Michelle Phillips (Tommy) of Canton; sister, Janet Mercer Tuscher (Thomas) of Glen Ellen, IL.; six grandchildren, Claire Wiedemann, John Brian Gray, Jr. (Andrea), Caitlin Gray, Rachel Gray, Elliott Morgan, and Caleb Phillips; three great-grandchildren, Mollie Jo Gray, Layla Baldwin, and Kaden Baldwin; two nephews, Jason Tuscher (Sarah) of Glen Ellen, IL, and Seth Tuscher (Ryan) of Glen Ellen, IL; two great-nephews, Charles and John Tuscher, four great-nieces, Marin, Isla, Sadie, and Mallory Tuscher; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Jolene's faith in God was her source of strength and hope. Her life was dedicated to helping others in need. She dearly loved her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 584, Grand Saline, TX, 75140. (memo: Jolene Morgan Memorial Donation)

The family will host a Celebration of Life service for Jolene at 11 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, in Grand Saline. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Lunch will be served after the service.