Mercedes Lynn, a woman whose heart knew no bounds, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2017, at the age of 40 in her Sandy, UT home. Born Mercedes Braaton on February 27, 1977, in Port Hueneme, CA, to James Braaton and Sherry Friend, Mercedes lived a life characterized by her deep love for family, animals, and her unwavering desire to help others.
Mercedes found true happiness and companionship when she married Matthew Fulks, her best friend and soulmate, on January 11, 2017, in Daybreak, UT. Their bond was a testament to the power of love and shared values.
Mercedes Lynn’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a devoted and loving mother to her son, Chaston Hill, and stepdaughter, Kadence Fulks. Her maternal love wasn’t limited to her children; it embraced all creatures, great and small. Animals held a special place in Mercedes’s heart, and her passion for their well-being was truly inspiring. Those who knew Mercedes understood her dream of one day establishing an animal sanctuary, a haven for stray and unwanted animals. She often joked about becoming the quintessential “Crazy Dog Lady,” ready to welcome every lost dog into her loving home.
Beyond her love for animals, Mercedes Lynn possessed a remarkable gift for connecting with people. She had an innate ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and valued, as if they were the most important person in the room. A genuinely caring and empathetic individual, Mercedes offered a safe space for anyone needing a listening ear and a compassionate heart. She was the kind of person who would readily lend a shoulder to cry on and offer unwavering support.
Mercedes also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Family dinners were cherished occasions, and she thrived in social settings, radiating warmth and energy as a true social butterfly. Dancing to her favorite music was a joyful expression of her spirit, and she channeled her creativity into home decor and thoughtful gift-giving. Mercedes lived by the empowering affirmation, “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” a motto that reflected her determined and optimistic approach to life. Mercedes Lynn left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path and will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mercedes is survived by her beloved dog, Justice, who was a constant source of companionship and joy; her son, Chaston Hill; her husband, Matthew Fulks; her mother, Sherry Friend; her father, James Braaton (and Patty); her sister, Jennifer Sorensen; her stepdaughter, Kadence Fulks; and Bethany Dillingham, considered a cherished member of the family.
She was predeceased by her dogs, CiCi and Beau, who undoubtedly held a special place in her heart; her grandma, Gerry Grice; her great uncle, Lawrence Hodge; and her great grandma, Maudie Hodge.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mercedes Lynn will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017, at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 South 700 East, Draper, UT 84020 – 801-996-3279. The ceremony will commence at 3:00 p.m., followed by a visitation at 4:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects to a truly remarkable woman.
