AHOSKIE – E. Garnette Barnes Pierce slipped her earthly bonds in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 25, 2019. Born in Bertie County on November 1, 1923, she was the daughter of the late John Luther and Mary Ella Thompson Barnes. She was the widow of William Chadwick ‘Chad’ Pierce whom she married on June 24, 1943.
Garnette was a graduate of Mars Hill High School having played basketball during her school years. She was employed for many years as a bookkeeper for Belk Tyler Company in Ahoskie. After moving to Murfreesboro, Tarboro, and Rocky Mount due to her husband’s job they moved to Roanoke Rapids where they owned and operated Carolina Rest Home. Following retirement in 1984, the couple returned to Ahoskie.
Garnette was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, the Sarah Raynor Sunday School Class, WMU, and Keenagers/JOY Fellowship until her health prevented her attendance.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her sister, Emily B. Miller and her brothers, Luther Carlton and Linwood S. Barnes. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Gray Pierce of the home, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Sunday, April 28 at Garrett Sykes Funeral Service, Highway 42 W, Ahoskie from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm. A celebration of life Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 29 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr Jesse Croom and Rev Dr. Trey Gilliam officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made directly to First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, PO Box 649, Ahoskie, NC 27910 in Garnette’s memory or online by clicking here.
The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Garnette’s caregivers for their dedication and loving care over the past 4 years: Regina Branch, Margaret Bunch, Emily Bunch, Scarlett Downs, Esther Parker, Tammy Mullins and Olivia Simmons.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Pierce family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Judy so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was a sweet lady and I know she will be missed. She is in a better place now and can rest peacefully.
Dear Judy, I am so sorry to learn about the passing of your mother. I hope you have many wonderful memories to give you comfort. Sending you a big hug and love from afar. My deepest sympathy, Donna Pittman Baanante
To the family,
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. I hope that the words promised at Revelation 21:4 and John 5:28, 29 can comfort you as those words will soon be fulfilled. May you also continue to cherish the many memories you shared together.
Thinking of you at this time. May your memories and the support of your friends help you through this sad time. Your mother was a very sweet person and I will always remember her smile. We were very blessed to have had the parents we did.
Dear Judy, I just learned that your mother had died. I am very sorry for your loss. I thought a lot of both your Mother & Dad. Your Dad gave me my first job as a teenager at the Belk’s Store on Main St back in the
60’s. After a while, I was assigned to work with your Mother at the desk in the middle of the store where all clerks brought the customers to pay for their purchases. Both your parents were very kind & helpful to me and I have never forgotten that. May God comfort you in your loss.
Sincerely with love, Dorothy Mosley Ellmore
Garnette was a truly exceptional lady. She had a sweet, quiet spirit, but her laugh was infectious. She has left the burdens of this earth to rest and be with Uncle Chad! God bless her! And God bless your love and loyalty, Judy. You have been your mom’s shining light! We love you! Candace & Family
Judy, my deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your dear, sweet mother. She was so blessed to have you for her daughter. Keep all those special memories close in your heart. May God give you comfort, rest and peace in the days ahead. God bless.