Obituaries

Shirley Jean Pierce, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023 at Union city Baptist Hospital following an ongoing illness.
She was born August 10, 1939 in Joplin, MO to Frank and Dortha with one sister, Ruth Ann Baker. She met and married the love of her life, Ernie (Skipper) Pierce, Jr. in 1963. Their life together was defined by their love of each other and their children. They had 5 children, 9 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Shirley’s life showed her servant’s heart. She was very active in the Methodist Church and Reelfoot Rural Ministry, both of which she supported with her time and efforts. Her angel tree at the Methodist Church to support RRM was a staple for many years. She was a long-time employee of Tennessee Farm Bureau and worked there for 26 years. The last months of her life were spent at The Arbors of Union City. The family expresses their deep gratitude for the care and love they provided. They provided much joy in what we now know was her last months.
Services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Tiptonville with Rev. Barbara Blackmon- Fortune. Burial was in Tiptonville City Cemetery. Dyersburg Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
The family received visitors from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023 at the church.
Survivors include her three daughters, Susan Duaime (Andrew) of Huntsville, AL, Karen Carruth (Patrick) of Charleston, AR and Sharon Morehead (Andy) of Ridgely, TN; a son, David Pierce of Tiptonville, TN; a daughter-in-law, Teresa Pierce of Lenior City, TN; nine grandchildren, Maggie Pierce, Deanna Beasley, Ann Lillian Pierce, Eric Harned, Carrie Ruth Hulme, Collin Hulme, Meredith McCoy, Jacob Callens and Montana Morehead; and one great-grandchild, Bracey Moore.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dortha McBride; a sister, Ruth Ann Baker; her husband of 56 years, Ernie Pierce, Jr; and a son, Ernie Lucas Pierce III.
Pallbearers were Jacob Callens, Montana Morehead, Eric Harned, Collin Hulme, Jamie Beasley and Chris Naifeh.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Reelfoot Rural Ministries, 6923 Minnick Elbridge Road, Obion, TN 38240.