Mary L. Pierson

Mary Elizabeth Lewis Pierson, 89, of Columbus, Georgia, died at her home in Spring Harbor on Thursday, March 10, 2016. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at St. Luke United Methodist Church, Columbus, Georgia, according to Striffler–Hamby Mortuary. Rev. Robert Beckum and Rev. Chuck Hasty will officiate. The family will receive friends Saturday immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall of St. Luke Church.Mary Elizabeth Lewis Pierson was born in Columbus, Georgia to Albert (Al) Charles Lewis and Dorothy VanValkenburg Lewis on October 17, 1926. She attended Wynnton School, Columbus High School, Wesleyan College, and Northwestern University. She married C. L. (Chuck) Pierson, Jr. of Columbus in 1946 and they made their home in Columbus, enjoying a loving marriage of over 63 years. She was a life-long member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. She was an elegant woman of great beauty, strong character, precision, and intelligence. She possessed a great sense of humor and was known to dish out whatever she received. As a devoted wife she was always helpful in all of her husband’s business endeavors. Mary was known for her generosity and caring for others. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She also was preceded in death by her companion and fiancé Duke Miller. She is survived by her son, C. Lee Pierson, III (Jeannie), grandson, Justin Lewis Pierson (Rudi), granddaughter, Crawford Leigh Pierson, one niece and two nephews, Carol K. Watson (Jerry) of Winston-Salem, NC, David E. Kirkland (Kathryn), of Atlanta, GA.; William P. Pierson, Jr.(Cindy), of Alpharetta, GA., six great nieces and nephews; and a cousin, Katherine R. Anderson ( Arthur) of Yarrow Point, WA. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to her caregivers for their many kindnesses and care: Tonnie Square, Jackie Garner, Angela Houghly, and Antonette Powell. The family would also like to thank the staff of Columbus Hospice, Spring Harbor, and Emory Hospital for the wonderful care provided. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.