Iris Pierce

Iris Bagwell Pierce, 74, of Spartanburg, formerly of Mason Road in Inman, died Thursday, July 8, 2010 at White Oak Manor. Knowing she is in the presence of Jesus and reunited with her children is of much comfort to her family. Born August 24, 1935, she was the youngest of nine children born to the late Fletcher and Jessie Allen Bagwell of #10 Cedar Street, Whitney, SC. Mrs. Pierce attended school in Whitney, SC, became a Navy wife, and was a homemaker. She attended USC-Spartanburg School of Nursing for two years and in the early 1980's, she was very active in helping start a support group for families whose children had Cystic Fibrosis. Retired from ADO Corporation and Extended Stay America Hotels, she was an active member of Cudd Memorial Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class until her health declined. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, Mrs. Pierce was called on many times as a featured soloist to sing the Navy Hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" at military funerals while her husband was stationed in Jacksonville, FL and Pensacola, FL. A loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. She is survived by two daughters, Teresa Pierce Johnson (Jerry) of Inman, SC and Pamela Pierce Mitchem (fiancé Eric Jackson) of Spartanburg; two beloved grandchildren, Matthew Derek Johnson and Brandi Thornton Pierce Underwood, both of Inman; two step grandsons, Scott Johnson (Gina) of Spartanburg and Todd Johnson of Vancouver, WA; her precious great-granddaughters, Emery Thornton Pierce and Ella Sunni Underwood, both of Inman; three step great-grandchildren; Jake, Josh, and Jessica Johnson all of Spartanburg; a sister, Barbara J. Williams of Spartanburg; two brothers, Simpson D. Bagwell of Jacksonville, FL and William E. Bagwell (Margaret) of Pensacola, FL; a sister-in-law, Florence P. Wood of Spartanburg; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Pierce was predeceased by her former husband, Richard H. Pierce, USN Retired; sons, Lonnie D. Pierce and Richard H. Pierce, Jr.; daughter, Marshiela Pierce Thornton; brothers, C. D. & Earl Bagwell; and sisters, Jennie Mae Siltzer, Lillian Hughes, and Gladys Watterson. Visitation will be 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM Sunday, July 11, 2010 at Cudd Memorial Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM at the Church, conducted by the Rev. Danny Garrett. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cudd Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1301 Boiling Springs Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 110 Dillon Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307. The family is at the home of Terrie and Jerry Johnson, 301 Fury Drive, Inman, SC, 29349. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Iris Bagwell Pierce please visit our Sympathy Store.