2nd Timothy 4:7: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Bernice Payne Pierce, 83, of Elizabethton, passed away Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at Hermitage Health Center following an extended illness.
A native of Johnson County, she was a daughter of the late Joe and Mary Hicks Payne. She had lived most of her life in Carter County.
Mrs. Pierce was a retired Textile Operator at Leon-Ferenbach. She was a member of Oak Street Baptist Church. She loved her grandchildren and loved to read her Bible.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Pierce, in 1977; two sisters, Gladys Rainbolt and Maude Stout; and a brother, Arlis Payne.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Rose Mary and Tonie Hartley, Elizabethton; a son and daughter-in-law, David C. and Sandra Pierce, Johnson City; four grandchildren, William Timbs, Heather Buckles and husband Steve, Alicia Pierce and Michael Pierce; and two great-grandchildren, Celeste Buckles and Austin Pierce. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Graveside services for Mrs. Pierce will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, September 27, at Happy Valley Memorial Park with Mr. Steve Buckles officiating. Interment will follow the service. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. To those who prefer, memorials may be made to We Love Our Church, Oak Street Baptist Church, 804 Oak Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 2:20 p.m. Thursday to go to the cemetery. Condolences to the Pierce family may be e-mailed to mfc@ chartertn.net.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
October 19, 1928 – September 26, 2012
Funeral Home: Memorial Funeral Chapel
Elizabethton, TN
