Mary Frances Pierce

Mrs. Mary Frances Pierce, age 91, of 317 Carlton Drive Rockmart passed away Monday, February 21, 2011 at her residence following an extended illness.


She was born in Summerville, GA on November 27, 1919 a daughter of the late Rufus P. Gaines and Willie Mae League Gaines. Mrs. Pierce was Valedictorian of her graduating class at Summerville High School. She was a homemaker and had been a member of the Piedmont Avenue Baptist Church since 1939 where she taught Bible School for many years and was very active in W.M.U..Mrs. Pierce was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Rev. Hobart Pierce on October 27, 2000; by a son and daughter in law, Richard and Joan Pierce; and by four grandchildren: Tony Pierce, Corey Pierce, Daniel Reddish and Dejuanna Faye Smith. She was also preceded in death by five sisters and three brothers.


Survivors include five daughters: Patricia Strickland, Rockmart, Betty Smith, Rockmart, Linda Reddish, Cedartown, June Hubbard, Huntsville, AL and Jackie Newby, Rome; one son, Donald Pierce, Rockmart; 15 grandchildren: Robert Strickland, Rena Forsyth, Stan Strickland, Greg Strickland, Rodney Smith, Diane Gable, Jan Stokes, Carol Ray, William Newby, Christy Newby-Corley and Jamie Pierce-Cox; 20 great grandchildren: Corey Forsyth, Ashlee Brackett, Shayna Forsyth, Kerry Strickland, Austin Strickland, Kari Alexander, Chris Alexander, Kelly Alexander, Michael Strickland, Shawn Strickland, Daniel Strickland, Mauri Berry, Melissa Stokes, Chris Galloway, Jamie Ray, Rearden Newby, Huntley Cox and Elle Cox; 8 great great grandchildren: Patience Huckelby, Chelsea Forsyth, Timothy Forsyth, Sarah Forsyth, Zack Edwards, Ashton Strickland, Allison Strickland and Kaiden Lawrence.


Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Piedmont Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Royce Campbell and Rev. John Hooper officiating. Interment will follow in Rockmart Memorial Gardens.


Mrs. Pierce will lie instate at the Piedmont Avenue Baptist Church Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral hour.


Grandsons serving as pallbearers include: Robert Strickland, Stan Strickland, Greg Strickland, Rodney Smith, Billy Newby and Steven Stokes.


The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.


The Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.