Beverly Ann Pierce

Beverly (Solliday) Pierce was a loving wife to Jack for 51 years and a mother to three daughters. She was an active volunteer in Girl Scouts and her church, enjoyed being outdoors – camping with her family or working in her garden, sewed beautiful clothing, and was an amazing cook. She was also a voracious reader of mysteries and the morning newspaper and enjoyed the camaraderie of playing a rousing game of pinochle or bridge.

Beverly Solliday was born on December 16, 1927 in Taylorville, Illinois. She was raised on a farm near Stonington, Illinois and attended a one room country schoolhouse before attending high school in town. After graduating from Stonington High School, she attended the University of Illinois and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Geology. She was one of the first female students at U of I to take chemistry. Upon graduating from University of Illinois, Beverly was one of the first women to work for the Illinois Geological Survey in a scientific position. While attending University of Illinois, she met Jack Pierce in her sedimentology lab. She and Jack were married in September of 1952. Their first daughter, Pamela, was born in 1953 in Williston, North Dakota where Jack worked for an oil company in the region. Beverly and Jack moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1960 so that Jack could pursue his PhD. Their second daughter, Brenda, was born in 1961 while they were living in Lawrence. In 1963, they moved to Annandale, Virginia when Jack accepted a position as a professor at the George Washington University in nearby Washington, D.C. Beverly and Jack’s third daughter, Joy, was born in 1964 in Washington, D.C. Beverly and Jack remained in Annandale, Virginia for the rest of their lives.

Beverly was a tireless volunteer. Of the many organizations to which she was devoted, she was probably the most active with the Girl Scouts. She served as the troop leader for all three of her daughters through all levels of their Girl Scouting journeys. In addition, she served as a Service Unit Leader, Day Camp leader and Business Manager of Camp Crowell Day Camp for many years, and Chairman of the Silver Trefoil Board of Review. Because she was so active in Girl Scouts, she recognized that the Girl Scout program was sorely lacking by not having an ultimate award similar to the Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. She helped design and receive approval for the Silver Trefoil Award Program in the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital – the only program of its kind in the Nation. In recognition of her dedication and countless hours of service, Beverly received the Girl Scouts’ Nation’s Capital Pin and the Thanks Badge.

Beverly was also very active in her church. She served as choir mom, helping to sew choir robes for the childrens’ choirs and shepherding the little ones every Sunday. She also served for many years on the funeral committee and the cemetery committee, not only for the camaraderie and fellowship these committees provided, but to help families through one of the most difficult times of their lives. In addition, Beverly volunteered in her daughter’s schools and served her civic association in various roles. After surviving her own battle with breast cancer, she volunteered as a counselor to those diagnosed with breast cancer, providing much needed support and inspiration to those undergoing difficult times.

After both of her parents passed away in the 1990’s, Beverly inherited the family farm. She continued to manage the farm until very recently, being involved in every aspect of the farm and tracking crop prices and yield information in the global markets and determining the best time to sell. She applied for and received the designation of a heritage farm for the property, having researched the history of the farm being in her family for almost 200 years. Working with the farm was an activity that gave her sincere pleasure.

As well as enjoying traveling and being active with her volunteer organizations, Beverly most enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her three daughters, Pamela Boyette, Brenda Pierce, and Joy Watada; her grandchildren Jason, Nathan, Laura Boyette and Mari, Caleb, Kaemon Watada; her great-grandchildren Ryan, Noah, Daniel, Noelle, and Anina; and sons-in-law Keith Boyette, Daniel Ballew, and Jon Watada.

Beverly Pierce’s funeral will be held on Monday May 2 at 11:30 am at Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. Reception will follow at the church.