The name "Mercella" comes from a single Census record (1860). All other records list her as as Jemima Wilkerson, or some variant spelling thereof (Widows Pension records & 1900 Census).

Her maiden name, "Moss," is based on her 1893 Widows Pension Application. In this application, W J Moss is named as brother-in-law to her husband, John J Wilkerson. Therefore, W J Moss must be the brother of Jemima, making her maiden name "Moss." Two of her sons (James & William) death certificates also list her maiden name as Moss.

Many on-line sources list her first name as "Mary." This reference seems to be connected to a 1926 Atlanta Phone Directory record for a John J & Mary Wilkerson. However, both John & Jemima had passed long before 1926, so this record is not theirs. However, two of her sons (James & William) death certificates do name her as 'Mary Moss.' Perhaps Mary was a nickname for Mercella?

In the 1900 Census, she is living with her daughter's family (the Taylors).

Her last filing for a Widows Pensions was January 4, 1902. Those same filings (Widows Pensions) cite that she had been living in Georgia since June 19, 1830. She was born in GA per the Census, thus, the source of her listed date of birth.

The Henry County Weekly (January 2, 1903) noted that the Taylor family was ill. January 16, 1903, it was reported that Martha Taylor (Jemima's daughter) had passed. However, there is no mention of Jemima. For this reason it appears that Jemima either passed during this time frame (Dec. 1902 / Jan. 1903) as well, or she had passed before this time frame and after her last Pension filing.

Her burial location is unknown, but it is suspected she would have been buried at Sardis Baptist Church (where her daughter is buried) or Turner United Methodist Church (where her husband is buried).