Clyde Elizabeth Pearce

Mrs. Pearce, 89, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was born April 19, 1924, near Smithfield, NC, in Johnston County to John Thomas and Lizzie Stephenson.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, B.B. Pearce, and was the last survivor of 8 siblings.

At the start of WWII, Elizabeth was recruited to the Washington, DC area to work at Arlington Hall, an Army Signal Corps Intelligence Installation. There she worked decoding messages during the war. She married B.B. Pearce in 1944, while he was home on leave from the Navy. When her husband was redeployed to the Pacific Theater, she relocated to Charleston, SC to work in the Navy shipyard.

After the war, Elizabeth and B.B. began to raise their family in Augusta, GA. They relocated to Charlotte in 1963, and were long time members of Providence Baptist Church where she attended the Martha Iley Sunday School Class. Elizabeth was a career homemaker, volunteer and an avid bridge player.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Donald Pearce and wife Anna, of Charlotte, daughter, Ann Pearce Robertson of Hendersonville, NC; and son John Thomas Pearce and wife Cathy of Weddington, NC. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kathy Norton, Kevin Robertson, Rob Pearce, Ashley Pearce; her great grandchildren Kent Groves, Cali and Croft Norton, and Bailey Robertson; and great-great grandson Zachary Groves rounding out five generations.

The family will receive friends Monday, December 30, 2013, from 5-7pm at McEwen Chapel Pineville, 10500 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28210. A memorial service will be held at Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 11 am, with Dr. Al Cadenhead and Dr. David Jordan officiating. A private family interment will be at Sharon Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Providence Baptist Church Capital Campaign Fund, 4921 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 or Hospice & Palliative Care, 1420 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28204.

The family would like to thank the devoted staff of Elmcroft at Little Avenue and the staff at Levine & Dickson Hospice House, for their gentle, loving care and support. Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral Services – Pineville Chapel.