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 visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search then type Garnette Pierce.

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.