Lois Carol Pierce (née Wilkinson), 85, of Kettering, Ohio, peacefully passed from this world into eternal life on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She died with her loving family surrounding her at the Hospice of Cincinnati at Twin Towers in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio.
She is survived by her children George D. Pierce, Jr. (Sandra), Catherine L. Mescher (David), Martin R. Pierce (Mary), Rebecca J. Napier (Bryan), brother-in-law Richard A. Coyle, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents John Whinnie Wilkinson and Katherine Lucille Wilkinson (née Lawder), sister Jean C. Minnick (Alden, deceased), brother John "Kenny" Wilkinson (Sheila, deceased), sister Marjorie R. Coyle (Richard), and her husband (later divorced) George D. Pierce, Sr. Also, her child Peter preceded her in death in 1961, due to complications at birth.
Lois was born in Middletown, Ohio, in 1934. She was the third of four children. She grew up being called Carol, so she is known by many throughout her life as Carol. She graduated from Middletown High School in 1953. Lois, Marjorie (her sister), and Sheila (her sister-in-law) all graduated together from the Middletown Hospital School of Nursing in 1956.
She began her nursing career as an office nurse in Dayton, Ohio, for the practice of Drs. Robert Stafford, Thomas Oswald, and George Markus. Lois married George D. Pierce, Sr. in May 1958. They moved to Virginia where Lois began working as a civil service nurse first at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Quantico, Virginia, and then at Fort Belvoir Army Hospital in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
In 1961, they settled in Kettering, Ohio, where they raised four children. Lois worked as a nurse at Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, Ohio. She later retired from there after 20 years. While employed with Kettering Medical Center, Lois worked in various departments including oncology and pulmonary rehabilitation; and she was also a float nurse. Lois eventually worked for Heartland of Kettering in Kettering, Ohio, and finished her nursing career working at Trinity Nursing Home in Beavercreek, Ohio.
She joined Toastmasters Int'l in the 1970's for self-improvement; and made many friends at the club then meeting in Kettering, Ohio. Lois pursued several entrepreneurial efforts over the years, including Avon, Tupperware, and Mary Kay Cosmetics. She also helped her children with their paper routes for several years.
Lois was known for her sense of humor. She deeply loved her family with more devotion and loyalty than any of us will truly ever appreciate. Lois also loved family get-togethers. She was an avid photographer at these events. She created numerous detailed family photo albums, which eventually led her to be a consultant with Creative Memories. Lois also journaled about her life and family life, including the funny things her children would say. She also enjoyed knitting blankets for many family members.
Lois's grandchildren have fond memories of her being in attendance at school events and sports. She would cheer and applaud for them at soccer games, band concerts, school plays, and, of course, graduations. She was a consistent enthusiast for the grandkids. A day was even more glorious for Lois when a sports game ended with an outing at Marion's Pizza, which was her favorite.
Lois enjoyed traveling, mostly on the east coast, but her adventures included many states throughout the U.S., including seeing the Grand Canyon, and the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tenn. She finally made it to the Pacific Ocean six years ago when a granddaughter was married in California. Lois enjoyed having pets for most of her life, including several rescue dogs who needed a forever home.
Lois was a long-time member of Kirkmont Presbyterian Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. She volunteered there with their Vacation Bible School for many summers. She also attended a Wednesday Women's Bible study with her lovely senior lady friends too.
Lois touched the hearts of so many people throughout the years, and those who met her and knew her loved the gentle and caring person she was. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her so.
"When my life was ebbing away, I remembered You, Lord, and my prayer rose to You, to Your holy temple." Jonah 2:7
"May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. Let Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your Law is my delight." Psalm 119:76, 77
A memorial service at Kirkmont Presbyterian Church will be planned at a later date due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Ohio. Lois will be laid to rest soon thereafter at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to honor our beloved Mother, Lois C. Pierce.
Donations may be made to;
Hospice of Cincinnati
P.O. Box 633597
Cincinnati, OH 45263
Donations can also be made online: www.hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate