Dorothy Mercer Suggs

Dorothy Mercer Suggs, 89, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025.  A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 officiated by Rev. Craig Simmons and Rev. Michael Crocker. Services are entrusted to Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Service with interment to follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.  

Dot was born July 12, 1935, the daughter of the late Charles and Esther Britt Mercer of Black Creek, North Carolina.  She was blessed to have been an integral part of a large family.  With 21 siblings, Dot always had a story to tell of her childhood memories and the adventures she shared with her siblings on the family farm. It was in caring for her siblings that Dot earned her notoriety for being an incredible caregiver and cook. 

Dot was a devout Christian who dedicated her life to serving others. In 2003, she was honored as a lifetime member of the Women’s Auxiliary at First Free Will Baptist Church (now Connect Church) in Wilson, North Carolina.

She was always willing to help, taking on various roles as needed. Dot served as the Sunday School secretary for many years, participated in Vacation Bible School activities, and was an active member of the bereavement committee, preparing meals for grieving families. Her dedication and dependability were well-known. An excellent cook, Dot was famous for her warm banana pudding and hot sausage balls. On Sundays, she would send her grandchildren to Sunday School while she attended the early church service. Afterward, she would bring the grandchildren home, and while they played, she would add the finishing touches to a delicious Sunday meal. Rarely did a Sunday pass without her being surrounded by her loved ones, making family gatherings around the table a cherished tradition. “Dot’s Diner,” as it was affectionately called, became the place to be on Sundays.

In addition to her church and family commitments, Dot worked at the John Hackney Insurance Agency, serving as a reliable resource for her coworkers and clients until she retired to care for her husband, James Earl Suggs, full-time.

Dot spent her final earthly years at Spring Arbor Assisted Living Facility, where she received both skilled care and exceptional support from the staff at Hospice of Wilson. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the dedicated staff of both Spring Arbor and Hospice of Wilson for the compassionate care Dot received.

She is survived by her son, Ricky Suggs (Donna); her daughter, Cindy Suggs Temple of Wilson; and her grandchildren, Scott Suggs (Ashley), Megan Temple Tolson (Jason) of Wilson, and Katelyn Suggs Greenlees (Drew) of Charlotte. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Raelynn, Owen, and Lawson Suggs, and Noah and Jordan Tolson, along with many special nieces and nephews.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents, 21 siblings, her husband of 48 years, James Earl Suggs, and her son-in-law, Roger Temple.

Flowers are welcome, as are memorial donations to Hospice of Wilson (1901 Tarboro Street, Suite 301, Wilson, NC) or a charity of your choice.