Betty Pierce

Nov. 22, 1931 - Feb. 4, 2015 Laura Betty Blackwelder Pierce, 83, of Statesville, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2015 after an extended period of declining health. She was born Nov. 22, 1931, to the late Robert L. Blackwelder and Ressie Truetta Armstrong Blackwelder of Mooresville. Known by family and friends as "Memaw," she was passionate about serving her Lord, her church, and her community. She loved children and cared for several elderly people in her home over many years. She attended Mount Mourne School and was a member of Troutman Baptist Church. A cancer survivor of more than 20 years, she enjoyed cooking, crafts, watching birds, visiting, and reading the Bible. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Rev. Roy Lee Pierce, of Statesville; Pinkie E. Armstrong, of the home; two brothers, Hubert L. Blackwelder and Robert James "Jimmy" Blackwelder, both of Mooresville; and a sister, Annie Blackwelder Crabb, of Mooresville. She is survived by two sons, Terry L. Pierce (Lisa), of Brevard, and Steven L. Pierce (Deborah), of Troutman; a daughter, Susan Pierce McCoy (Michael), of Statesville; a brother, Kenneth G. Blackwelder (Barbara), of Clemmons; a sister, Ruth Blackwelder Torrence (Bill), of Mooresville; six grandchildren, Tara Pierce Rybka (Joe), Tyler L. Pierce (Amber), Hannah E. Pierce, Sarah C. Pierce (Michael), Seth M. McCoy (Sarah) and Madison McCoy Cook (Mitchell); four great-grandchildren, Evelyn Rybka, Jameson Rybka, Finley McCoy and Kayden Pierce; and a special friend, Linda Wilson, of Troutman. Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at Iredell Memorial Gardens. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at Troutman Baptist Church in Troutman, N.C., with the Rev. Steve Kramm and Rev. J.B. Parker Jr. officiating. Visitation will follow at the church until 8:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Children’s Ministry at Troutman Baptist Church, PO Box 275, Troutman, N.C. 28166, or Relay for Life c/o the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave. Suite 100, Charlotte, N.C. 28207.