Longtime Lexington resident Mercia Lena Scott Wilkins passed away peacefully on June 3, 2012 at Carlton Willard Village in Bedford. She was born on February 2, 1914 in Arcadia, Florida. Mercia graduated in 1937 from Florida College For Women, now Florida State University. She served her internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1938; and in 1939, accepted a position in the Dietetics Department at New England Baptist Hospital. She married Frank Parker Wilkins on September 3, 1940.

Mercia was active in many Lexington activities including numerous youth programs in which her three children participated, Hancock Congregational Church and Dana Home. At Hancock Church she served as Deaconess, was president of the Collier Club, and recently completed her 63rd year as a member. She was on the Board of Directors at Dana Home from 1970 to 1984. Mercia is fondly remembered by her many students from Simmons College where she taught Nutritional Science from 1964 to 1975. She was also a long time volunteer at Symmes Hospital in Arlington, Ma. Mercia will be remembered for her unique sense of humor, quick wit, gracious hospitality, and unconditional love for her family and friends.

Mercia was predeceased by her husband of nearly 50 years, Frank Parker Wilkins.

Survivors include children Captain Frank Scott, USN (Ret) (Alexandra) of Bonita Springs, Fl; John Parker (Rainy) of Wellesley, Ma; and Reverend Nancy Strickland (Mark) of Sterling, Ma. Also surviving are her five grandchildren (Hadley, Alison, Travis, Matthew, & Wes), seven great grandchildren, and eight nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Hancock Church at 2:00 pm on Friday June 15, 2012 with Reverend Paul Shupe officiating. There will be a private family interment ceremony at Westview Cemetery in Lexington, Ma.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Mercia's name may be sent to either Hancock Church, 1912 Mass. Ave, Lexington MA 02421 or New England Baptist Hospital, 125 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston Mass. 02120.