Mary Joyner Pierce Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Alice Joyner Pierce loved M&Ms, Vanilla Ice cream and Cheese toast almost as much as she loved all her family. When Mary was around 5 years old, she went to church with a friend. She said from then on, she knew having a relationship with the LORD was what she wanted. So, as a young girl, she would walk through a field by herself to get to church. She never left the church. She loved church music, the sermons, serving others, and learning as much as she could about GOD. There is NO Doubt, that on October 11, 2020, the heavens rejoiced as Jesus carried Mary to join her parents Eunice and Thelma (Millikin) Joyner. Also, welcoming her were her brothers, John, Walter, and Billy and her sister, Myrtle. No doubt, Ola and George Pierce, Dorothy and Chalker Anderson, Betty St. Clair and other cherished loved ones, who passed before, greeted her. Surely, a multitude of delight echoed throughout heaven that Sunday at 11:27 p.m. Mary was born in Baxley, Georgia on October 24, 1934. She graduated from Robert E Lee High School and married the love of her life – George Marion Pierce, Jr, aka “my George”, who survives her. Together, they created a magnificent life for 68+years. They started their future with the United States Marine Corp life at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. From there, they lived in Savannah, Georgia, Jacksonville, Florida and finally Clearwater, Florida. They enjoyed traveling to the Smokey Mountains, England, and, well, any state the relatives would move to – because wherever family was – was happiness. Together they enjoyed church, boating, swimming, fishing, Sunday car rides, movies, holidays, music and spending time with friends and relatives. Mary had so many impressive opportunities for fun, such as, BUNCO, the Jacksonville Women’s Club, picnicking, crafting, volunteering, babysitting and so much more! She truly loved talking on the phone and laughing with her dear friend, sister-in-law, Madlyn Howard who survives her. Her surviving baby brother, Benny(Hilda) was often the topic and focus of her dedicated love. Besides having fun, Mary loved hard work! She cleaned house like no other. Her hard work benefitted General Electric MABG for over 40 years. Her favorite position with GE was Regional Sales Manager until retirement. She was devoted to helping the salesmen, her boss and the GE company! Hard work seemed like fun to Mary! Kathy, her daughter, (survivor) was like a breath of fresh air to Mary. Anyone could see her enormous love, as Mary would light up the room with her smile when she would see or talk about Kathy. Kathy’s husband, Rob Rossi (survivor), tickled Mary with his antics and teasing. She was truly comforted knowing that Kathy had such an impressive partner. Anyone that knew Mary, “Granny”, knew how dedicated she was to her grandchildren. She thoroughly delighted in vacationing, caring and cooking for, and loving on survivors, Ray(Tonya)Woods and George(Gina) Woods. Spending time with them as babies, children and adults was one of her favorite pastimes. Jennifer(James) Williams and Sandra(Chris)Urban became Granny’s fortunate blessing and quickly she began to bestow love on them. She knew the value of her grandchildren, and the more the merrier!! Indeed, more happened! – Granny got to enjoy 14 GreatGrandchildren and she was so proud of each and every one: Gio, Chas(Michael), Demi(Rickie), Tayler Rae, Austin(Scarlett), Kaylee Jane, RayRay, Gabby, Izzy, Joshua and Cadence; aging from 29 to 6! Wow! Granny was so happy to have so many to love. Then…time brought even more children into her life – Great-GreatGrandchildren and she was so thrilled to have 8: Triston, Kinsleigh, Briella, Alaina, Teghan, Bella, Punkie and Sophia; ranging from 10 to 1! Family was Mary’s MAIN thing!!! It was with great love she treasured being an aunt to Dyanne, Wayne(Ruth), Sandy, Lynn, Benny Jr, Veletia, Lisa, Judy, Debbie, Veda, Sharon(Jack), Chalker(DonnaJo),Terry(Sharon), GeorgeAnne(Tony), Debbie(Cecil), James(Debbie), David(Kim) and Christie(Steve) – her nieces and nephews who brought many more delightful nieces and nephews into Aunt Mary’s life. She was HAPPY about all these blessings. She had many old special friends and made many dedicated new friends. She loved kidding around and being cared for by many of her caregivers later in life. The family is grateful for the wonderful care and love given to her by so many. Indeed, Mary loved and received love from so many; cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, grandparents, parents, in-laws, friends, her daughter and her devoted husband. The world was a better place because of Mary. Praise GOD for her time on earth! We all miss her, but rest well knowing she is in heaven. Mary’s final resting place will be Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC. The family asks in lieu of flowers to please make donations to the Alzheimer's association @ https://act.alz.org/ The service at Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled for 9:00AM, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Please be at the Administration Building by 8:30AM, if you plan on attending.

Mary Joyner Pierce

October 24, 1934 - October 11, 2020