Katharine Moore Pierce

January 12, 1968 – March 24, 2026

Katharine “Kathy” Moore Pierce, age 58, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 24, 2026. Known for her sharp, dry wit and her immense heart, Kathy was a woman who spoke her mind and cared deeply for those around her.

Her Journey & Career

Born in Muskegon, Michigan, to Thomas and Sharon Perry, Kathy moved to Collierville, Tennessee, in 1979. A proud member of the Collierville High School Class of 1986, she cherished the lifelong "Dragon" friendships she maintained over the years.

Kathy was a caregiver at her core. Her desire to help others led her to study nursing at the Baptist College of Nursing, a spirit she carried into her long career at FedEx. As a Senior Global Freight Movement Administrator, she was respected for her expertise, but she valued the camaraderie of her coworkers most. Her community spirit was on full display every year as a volunteer for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where she famously patrolled the greens with her “Hush, Y’all” sign.

Her Strength and Resilience

In August 2022, Kathy began a fierce and courageous battle against colon cancer. Her journey took on a unique and powerful dimension in December 2022 when her sister, Nicola, also received a double cancer diagnosis. From that moment on, the two sisters became each other’s steadfast anchors. They leaned on one another through every treatment and hurdle, their bond deepening as they faced their health journeys side by side with shared grit and love.

Her Spirit & Passions

Kathy lived with authenticity and a distinct flair. She was a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and a formidable force at the poker table. A talented player and a fixture in the local poker community, she was a dedicated member of the River Rat Rounders, where she forged deep and caring relationships. Most recently, she celebrated a high-ranking finish in the Women’s Poker Association (WPA) No Limit Hold'em tournament, following a 2nd place finish in the Ladies Weekend Main Event in Tunica in late 2025.

Music was a constant thread in Kathy’s life. She spent many happy years as a season ticket holder for the Dixon Gallery music series, though she was just as likely to be found singing along to Bon Jovi at the top of her lungs with her best friend, Paula Barlovic.

Her Legacy

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Hume Perry, and her former husband, Edward Pierce.

She leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry forward her "tell-it-like-it-is" attitude: her mother, Sharon Perry, and her sister, Nicola Perry. She was the devoted mother of Mitch Brown (Brooke), Alyssa Vargas (Kyle), and Liana Pierce, and a beloved step-mother to Ashley Ellis (Justin) and Sean Pierce (Sabrina).

She was the cherished "Grammy K" to her grandchildren: Greyson and Wyatt Brown; Landon and Caleb Ellis; and Sarah, Jake, and Olivia Pierce.

We will celebrate Kathy’s life this Saturday, March 28th with a visitation held at Alice Cartwright Chapel, 435 S Mt Pleasant Rd, Collierville, TN 38017, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at the same location from 2:00 pm. Burial and reception to immediately follow the service at Magnolia Cemetery and Alice Cartwright Chapel, respectively.

Arrangements are being handled by Collierville Funeral Home. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home at 3863 Bailey Station RD, Collierville, TN 38017.