Carolyn Pierce

Carolyn Faye Pierce, born April 2, 1947, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 12, 2026 at the age of 78. Carolyn of Covington, Virginia was born in Altavista, Virginia. She spent most of her life building a faith centered family of love.

Carolyn was a devoted mother to her two sons, Gary Pierce and wife Chrissy of Salem, Virginia, and Calvin Pierce and wife Traci of Lockhart, Texas. Her greatest joy in life was being a grandmother. Her world truly revolved around her grandchildren, and she loved each of them deeply.

She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Shelbie Rimbach and husband Dakota of Phoenix, Arizona; Tamara Hardin and husband Mike of Salem, Virginia; Kaya Khatib and husband Safeer of Dubai; Zane Helms of Altavista, Virginia; Colt Pierce and wife Chloe of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Kelci McNalley and husband Zach of Salem, Virginia; Kira Pierce and fiancé Mark of Salem, Virginia; and Tyler Pierce of Salem, Virginia.

She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Ellie Dobb and Maverick Hardin of Salem, Virginia, and Katerina and Scott Rimbach of Phoenix, Arizona, who brought even more joy to her life.

Carolyn loved being present for every moment she could in her grandchildren’s lives. She rarely missed a ball game, whether it was football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, or cross-country. She proudly cheered on her Glenvar babies louder than anyone in the stands. Many of her grandchildren knew her as the “shoe fairy,” because every summer she made it a tradition to take them shoe shopping for the new school year — a trip they always looked forward to with their grandma.

Outside of family, Carolyn had many passions. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, crafting, and decorating the church. She loved being outdoors and making memories with her family, whether it was hiking, wading in the river, or traveling on vacations near and far. She truly enjoyed life and the people around her.

Carolyn was a faithful member of Cornerstone Church of God of Prophecy in Covington, where she loved and appreciated every member of her church family. Her faith in God was the foundation of her life. She believed deeply in the goodness of the Lord and spent much of her life sharing the gospel and encouraging others in their faith.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother (Granny) Rosie Hudson, her mother Clarice King, and her brother Wayne Miller. She is also survived by her brother Lavelle King of North Carolina, sisters Shirley Glass and Diane Jensen of North Carolina, and her stepfather Burton King of North Carolina, along with many aunts and uncles whom she grew up with and loved like brothers and sisters.

She retired after many years of hard work from Sears in Lynchburg and later from MeadWestvaco in Low Moor.

Carolyn shared many laughs and unforgettable memories with her best friend and partner in crime, Janet Campbell. The two were often up to something silly together and brought so much joy and laughter to each other’s lives.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Saks and Sarah with Oncology at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, as well as the many caregivers who showed Carolyn such compassion over the last several months at Good Samaritan House. Special thanks to Lacey and Lotti, her home care nurses, and to Danielle, Cameron, Ms. Thelma, and Kayla, along with the many wonderful staff members at Hospice House who cared for her so lovingly. The family is also grateful to Connections Plus in Covington, where Carolyn formed a special bond with her caregiver Kristen.

Carolyn will be remembered for her strong faith, her generous heart, and the deep love she had for her family. Her greatest happiness was found in the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is now home with the Lord.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory located at 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502. Family and friends are invited to come and share memories as they honor and celebrate Carolyn’s life.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 19, at 11:00 AM at Altavista Memorial Park located at 642 Wards Road, Altavista, Virginia 24517.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in honor of Carolyn to Good Samaritan Hospice, Attn: Development, 4751 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24107. Donations may also be made by calling (540) 776-0198 or by visiting https://www.goodsam.care/ways-to-give.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.