Joyce L Pierce

May 20, 1940 – August 22, 2024

Joyce Lorane Pierce, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away at the age of 84. Born on May 20, 1940, in Shafter, California, Joyce was raised in a close-knit family alongside her parents, James and Violet Bonds, her two older brothers, Gene and Ralph, and an older sister, Doretha.

In her early teens, Joyce moved with her family to Vista, California. She graduated from Vista High School in 1958, setting the stage for a life dedicated to education and the nurturing of young minds. Joyce pursued higher education at San Diego State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education. She began her teaching career right out of college. It was at San Diego State University where she met Richard Alvin Pierce, the love of her life. Their union in September 1961 marked the beginning of a caring and enduring partnership.

The young couple moved to Los Angeles. The birth of their daughter, Holly Bren, in 1966, and their son, Adam Reed, in 1969, added joy to their lives. A pivotal moment came in 1968 when Joyce received the gift of the Holy Ghost and was baptized in Jesus' name. In 1975, they felt the call to start pastoring Apostolic Tabernacle in Costa Mesa, California, where they served faithfully until their retirement in 1997. During this time, Joyce continued to pursue her passion for education. Her dedication and leadership eventually led her to become a school administrator, where she made a lasting impact on both students and staff through her commitment to excellence in education.

In addition to her work in education, Joyce held leadership roles in the Ladies Auxiliary for the Western District of the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI). She was deeply involved in traveling and raising funds for Mothers Memorial, a cause close to her heart.

Post-retirement, they lived briefly in South Gate before settling in Rialto, California, where Joyce attended Inland Lighthouse Church.

Outside of her professional life, Joyce found joy in quilting and baking, crafts through which she shared her creativity with family and friends. Her quilts were more than just fabric and thread; they were expressions of love, each stitch a testament to the care and thoughtfulness she brought to everything she did.

Joyce is survived by her loving family: her daughter, Holly Garrett; her son, Adam Pierce; her son-in-law, Patrick Garrett; her daughter-in-law, Sharon Pierce; and seven grandchildren - Alexandria Flores, Caleb Pierce, Ian Garrett, Zachary Garrett, Jonathan Flores, Eunice Pierce, and Courtney Garrett. Her legacy continues through her four great-grandchildren - Ember Flores, Luca Pierce, Mateo Flores, and Samuel Garrett.

Joyce’s life was a testament to her strong faith, her dedication to her family, and her unwavering belief in the power of education. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Proverbs 31:10 (KJV): "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."