Donald Jay Mervis

Donald Jay Mervis, 77, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 10:11 p.m. following a courageous battle with pneumonia.

Donald was born on September 28, 1946 in Nova Scotia, Canada and adopted to Mrs. Martha and Mr. Reuben Mervis. He was raised by his family in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. He attended The Watson Institute in Sewickley, Pennsylvania and graduated in 1967. He was social, lively, and built lasting connections throughout his life. He had a passion for restoring justice as an advocate and organizer for people born with cerebral palsy, as he himself was, and for people with disabilities. He had an unwavering faith in God, Jesus, and humanity. He loved to worship, travel, to make human connections and laugh in fellowship. He was eminent by those he met, and his testimony is that this life on earth is worth living fully, despite adversity.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Emily Mervis of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Heather Clark of Houston, Texas; brother Dr. Robert (Julie) Mervis of Hilton Head, South Carolina; grandson Om Johnson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; niece Kristi (Aaron) Pennington of Rockbridge, Ohio; niece Stacey (Christopher) Ballenger of Logan, Ohio; great nieces Lauren and Samantha Pennington; and great nephews Lincoln and Jackson Ballenger. He is preceded in death by his parents Mr. Reuben and Mrs. Martha Mervis. Also mourning his passing are his best friend of 15 years, Deborah Bond, and her family with whom he lived.

Visitation will be held 6:45 pm - 8:45 pm Friday, June 21 at Ball Funeral Chapel, Inc., 600 Dunster Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15226, with a memorial service at 7:30 pm, officiated by Pastor Marcia Rhoades of Living Waters Family Worship Center. 

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