Shirlene Mercer

Shirlene Mercer was born in Jackson, Tennessee and was educated in the public schools there. She graduated from Merry High School and Lane College. Her graduate work was done at the University of Memphis.

Shirlene served 24 ½ years as a public school teacher, concluding that profession in 1989-90 school year. From 1989 Mercer has worked for Congressman John Tanner in his Jackson office, serving as his District Field Representative.

Recognized by many groups and organizations, Mercer has been honored by numerous churches and social organizations across Tennessee.

• She has been a speaker on occasions such as:
• Tennessee Associations of Parks and Recreations 1998
• University of Tennessee Black Students Associations 1999
• Jackson State Community College, Black Student Association 1998
• Addressed the National Association of Attorney Generals in San Francisco 1999
• National Crime Prevention Council in Washington D.C. 2000
• Guest Speaker for former Vice President Al Gore, classes at Fisk University and Middle Tennessee State University 2001

Mercer has received a number of awards including:

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority "Women of the Year" 1994
• Tennessee Education Association "E. Harper Johnson Award"
• Tennessee Bar Association "Liberty Bell Award"
• City of Jackson Community Service Award
• FBI Directors "Community Leadership Award"
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority "Community Affairs Hall of Fame"
• Rotary International "Jean Harris Award"

Shirlene Mercer has been successful with one of her greatest efforts, that being the "Weekly Anti-Crime Marches". Each Friday, Mercer and a band of interested children and adults march into the streets of Jackson bearing their interest in fighting crime and violence at its most grass roots level, that being the community. The marches have been attended by many notables, including:

• Congressman John Tanner
• Vice President Al Gore
• Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist
• Tennessee Senator Bill Frist
• Former NAACP Director Benjamin Hooks
• Congressman Harold Ford, Jr.
• Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen
• Many others

Mercer is a member of the Greater St. Luke Baptist Church, where she has served as church secretary for over 30 years. She is married to Luther Mercer and they are parents of LaTina and Attorney Luther Mercer II.