Hazel Eugene "Jean" Mercer, age 78, of Dalton, Georgia passed away Monday, May 9, 2016. She was born September 6, 1937. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Varnie Arnold and Hazel Lula Arnold; son, Jeffrey Milton Rice; sisters, Irene Blackwell, Ruby Bryson and Jodie Cook. She is survived by her son, Howell Thomas Emberson of Resaca, GA; daughters and sons in law, Cathy Lynn Emberson and Albert Cole of Wisconsin, Brenda and Nathan Gross of Dahlonega, GA; sisters and brother in law, Elizabeth and Paul Skidmore of Rocky Face, GA, Annie Knowles of Chatsworth, GA; 9 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Hazel Eugene "Jean" Mercer will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the chapel of Dalton Funeral Home with Brother Marty Cooper officiating. Interment will be at Center Valley Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends for visitation from 11:00 AM until the hour of service. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA; 706-529-5371.