Arliss was born on December 24, 1932 in Long Beach, California, a daughter of Albert and Martha Nelson Gundy. Her father Albert was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and his numerous deployments resulted in Arliss calling many different cities home, including San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, and Brooklyn, NY. She eventually moved to Corpus Christi where she met Lowell R. Pierce, and they were married on May 17, 1950. Together, they raised five children; surviving are Darrell (Leslie) Pierce of Katy, TX, Cheryl Heymann of Corpus Christi, and Lowell (Lori) Pierce Jr. of Boerne, TX.
She loved the outdoors, being an avid camper and gardener, and loved fishing. Arliss developed an early knack for writing and published numerous short stories. She was an active Den Mother, supporting Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and was deeply involved in her children's Little League baseball activities. Arliss felt blessed to have served as an enduring volunteer, working to save countless lives as a first responder for Corpus Christi's Suicide Hotline. She was an active volunteer within the AARP organization and an active donor to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Arliss is survived by 9 grandchildren; Ryan (Courtney) Pierce of Katy TX, Michael (Laura) Heymann of Arlington, TX, Stephanie (Eddie) Garcia of Helotes, TX, Michelle (Kevin) Hart of Austin,TX, Mason Pierce of Boerne, TX, Leslie Pierce of Boerne, TX, Tanya (Victor) Gonzales of Corpus Christi, Derek Crumbley of Everett, WA, and Kirk Crumbley, of Corpus Christi.
Eight great-grandchildren survive: Christian, Colton, Victoria, Elias, Brianna, Alycee, Zayda, and Isabella. She is also survived by 3 great-great-grandchildren, 3 nieces, and 2 nephews.
Arliss was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lowell, two children- Linda (Tommy) Crumbley and Jeffery Pierce, her sister Violet (Denis) Gundy Schmidt, and grandchildren Brent Heymann and Travis Pierce.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 19, 2018. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 8200 Old Brownsville Road Corpus Christi, TX 78415.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charitable organization of choice.
