Obituary of Judy Lee Pierce

Judy Lee Pierce, 70, passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Heavenly Father on Sept. 12, 2017, at home in Vancouver, WA, while her husband, Gary, held her hands. Judy passed away as a result of the devastating neuromuscular disease known as ALS, which had slowly and progressively weakened her body for the past year and a half. Gary stayed close by her side during this entire time as her full-time caregiver.

What will people say about Judy now that God has called her home? I believe they will say She loved more than anything else, She loved with all of her heart, She loved everyone she believed in, She loved the Lord, and served all her life, a sacrificial mother, grandmother & an honorable wife, She gave all she had, and through every trial, made life much sweeter, because of her smile. [Lyrics from She Loved, by Sheri Easter]

Gary and Judy were married in Vancouver May 18, 1968, and, immediately following, had many adventures in the Republic of Panama while Gary finished his Army tour. Judy was a professional beautician for many of her early adult years until starting on the rewarding venture of raising her two sons full time. When they were both in school all day, Judy worked several years as a Special Education Staff Assistant in the Vancouver School District.

Judy’s grandchildren were the true joy of her life for many years. She loved spending time with them, and nearly always involved them in baking with her, especially cookies. Judy loved receiving and giving gifts, especially to her grandchildren. When she and Gary would pick up the grandchildren from school on Fridays, Judy always brought with her a bag of treats, known by the grandchildren as “the treater bag.” Judy had a strong faith in the Lord and she continually shared her faith with those close to her.

Judy was born to Charles Ralph and Bettie Jean Parson (White) on Oct. 19, 1946, in Vancouver, where she lived most of her life, with the exception early in childhood when her family traveled while in the Armed Services. Judy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Gary, at home; two sons, Brian Pierce and Rodney (Madeline Damore) Pierce, both of Vancouver; three grandchildren, Blake Pierce, Heath Pierce, and Lorelai Pierce; three siblings, John (Penny Grant) Parson, Debbie (Everette) Miller, and Steve Duncan; three brothers-in-law, Glen (Sue) Pierce, Steve (Ruth) Pierce, and Craig (Signe) Pierce; five step-siblings, JoLynn (Larry) Pierce, Heidi (Jim) Jacobs, Melissa (Jeff) Townsley, Tricia (Rob) Gregg, and Chuck (Kelly) Parson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Parson; stepfather, Howard Duncan; mother, Bettie; father-in-law, Russell Pierce; stepfather-in-law, Joe Kortman; mother-in-law, Jean Pierce Kortman; brother, Robert Parson; and stepsister, Julie Holt.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate her life, and the family would be honored by your presence. It will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene, 14410 N.W. 21st Ave., Vancouver, WA 98685. A reception with refreshments will follow.

In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible memorial donations can be made to the ALS Association Oregon and Southwest Washington Chapter at www.DefeatALSOregon.org.