Ruth McLamb Pierce Johnson

Ruth Pierce, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. Daughter of the late Fernie and Leola Lee McLamb, she was born in Johnson County, NC on December 23, 1934.

She was preceded in death by her son, Bill, Jr.; her daughter, Tammy Lynn; her sisters, Lola Jones and Velma Tanner; and her brothers, Elton, James, Robert, Ralph and Pete McLamb.

Survivors include her husband, James Johnson; her daughter, Donna Pierce Had (Dennis); her son, Bernie Pierce (Belinda); grandson; Jason Pierce (Amanda); great granddaughter, Jenna Pierce; great grandson, Tyson Pierce; sister, Jo Ann Ryan; stepsons, Tony (Liana) Johnson and Brad (Dani) Johnson; stepdaughter, Deborah (Corey) Bousquet; step-grandchildren, Scott, Daniel, Sara, Virginia, Kimberly, Brad and Austin Johnson, Steve Had, Aimee Had, Denise Hammond; sisters-in-law, Pat Thigpen, Edna Pierce, Fay Hines; brother-in-law, Ken Strickland; and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Ruth was kind, caring and found pleasure in helping others. She loved gardening and fishing. She spent many hours on the banks of various lakes and ponds wetting her hooks. Often taking her grandson, Jason, who is now an avid angler, teaching him her techniques and patience.

Early in life, Ruth had a passion to become a hairdresser. After having her four children, she attended Mitchell’s Hair Styling School in Raleigh. She opened Ruth’s Beauty Salon on Chatham Street in downtown Cary. Later, she moved her salon to her home and styled hair for over 55 years. She loved her “little ladies”, often baking them pound cakes and fixing lunch for them while under the hair dryer.

One day in the beauty shop, Ruth and her "little ladies” started a conversation about the need for a center for children with developmental disabilities. In the late 60’s, Ruth and Billy Pierce, along with the Tucker and Moore families, created one, The Tammy Lynn Center, named after the Pierce’s daughter. Ruth would spend countless hours collecting donations given by various groups and organizations. No matter the amount, $5-$5000, she would make it a newsworthy event. Today, so many families have been blessed to receive services offered by TLC.

Special thanks to Transitions Lifecare.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Tammy Lynn Center, 739 Chappell Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BrownWynneCary.com.