Elma Hand

Elma Joyce Mercer Hand, 82, a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend went home to Heaven on July 11, 2021.

Elma was born in Jacksonville, FL on October 24, 1938 to Homer and Nettie Mercer. She married the love of her life, Edward Hand on June 28, 1957 and had 3 blue-eyed, rambunctious boys that were the center of her whole world. She dedicated her life to her husband and her children and loved every minute of it.  Just when she thought life could not get any sweeter, she became a Nonny.

Elma loved many things, but at the top of the list was always family, having everyone together in one room made her the happiest. Weekends were for the grandkids and were filled with paddling pools, watermelon, homemade ice cream, fishing and wagon rides behind Poppy’s lawn mower. When she was not with family, she was shopping, and man could she shop! We are pretty sure she coined the term “shop til’ you drop” with Edward napping on the nearest mall bench with all of the bags she accumulated. In addition to being the world’s best Wife, Mom and Nonny, she was an amazing friend.  She had a fierce love for her friends and always loved telling stories of her girl’s nights and trips taken with the friends that quickly became her extended family.

She is a devout Christian, and her strong love for Jesus and her faith were apparent in everything she did. She prayed every day for her family and her friends and always radiated the love of Jesus in everything she did.

Elma is the epitome of love. She was always there for anyone at any time with open arms and the best hug. Everywhere she went, she made it a point to make everyone fill loved and always had a story that made you (and her) burst into laughter. She was sassy, quick-witted, and always up for anything! She had the best laugh, and once she started laughing so did everyone else. She was truly selfless and always thought of everyone before herself.

Elma is survived by her three children: Eddy Hand, Randy Hand (Dawn), and Rodney Hand (Shanna). Seven grandchildren: Kristen (Ian), Jessica, Brent (Sheila), Mariah (Jordan), Gabrielle, Drew, and Amelia. Six great-grandchildren: Victoria, Gavin, Chloe, Locklan, Camden and Finn and her fur-son Cooper.

Elma leaves behind an amazing legacy and although we will miss her every day, we know that she is pain free and dancing the streets of gold with the love of her life!

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday July 15th at 11:30 AM at North Jacksonville Baptist Church, 8531 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr. of Giddens-Reed Funeral Home in Baldwin, FL is honored to be handling the arrangements for the Hand family. Please leave your condolences for the Hand family in the online guestbook at www.giddensreedfh.com.

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