Mary Sue Pierce

Born August 25,1924 in Shreveport, La. to Frank Bain Blackwell and Ina Lou Biggs Blackwell, she grew up in Tyler, Texas. Though she wanted to be an artist, Sue went to Parkland Nursing School in Dallas to become an RN., working in that profession as an emergency room and surgical nurse before and after she married Richard Clayton Pierce on May 16,1947. After she helped Richard through Texas A &M University, toward his goal to become a Civil Engineer, Sue put her energy into raising their three children, making a beautiful home, plus being active in her children's schools and in her community. When her children were teenagers, Sue went to the University of Texas at Arlington to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Art degree. She was an immensely creative and talented artist who was way too quiet about her artistic gifts.

Sue was interested in so many things. Her personal library reflects a deep love of art, history, literature, writing and music. A terrific cook, she loved to read cook books and try new recipes. Her herb garden was the source of lots of great dishes. She delighted in gardening and nature, She had a lovely backyard greenhouse dedicated to growing her gorgeous orchids which gave her much joy. She loved to share her orchids with her friends..

Sue and Richard spent many happy years hand building a vacation home at their lake property outside of Bonham, Texas where they enjoyed the birds and wildlife and went fishing and canoeing together along with family and friends..

Sue also loved to travel. Together, she and Richard travelled all over the world before and after retirement, enjoying every moment of their adventure in life together.

Survivors include her adoring husband of 64 years, Richard C.Pierce; daughter Patricia Pierce Waas; son Mark Richard Pierce and his wife Julia; son Guy Thomas Pierce and his wife June. Grandchildren are Matthew Waas and Clayton Waas, Ian Pierce and Pachi Pierce, William Pierce, Kelly Pierce, and Paige Pierce. Sue is also survived by her brother Bill Blackwell and his wife Dorothy, and sister Margaret Isham. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Frank Blackwell, and brother Donald Chapman.

There will be a private memorial at their home. Interment will be at DFW Veteran's Cemetary. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.