Marie Pierce
Marie Florence Pierce, 72, died Jan. 15, 2002, at Peabody.
A clerical worker and homemaker, she was born Aug. 24, 1929, at Delia, the daughter of Howard Musgrave and Marie Charlotte (Carlisle) Lackey.
She was small in stature but big of heart. When she was three, she and her brother, Charles moved to Peabody and lived with their aunt, Anna, and her husband Richard Wilbur.
She loved music and as a child learned to play the acoustic guitar. She accompanied herself singing to groups while in high school. She graduated from Peabody High School in 1947.
On Oct. 23, 1948, she was married to Marshall Elbert Pierce at Peabody Christian Church. They were 50 year companions and enjoyed playing the guitar together.
She was employed in the Harvey County Treasurer's office before retiring, and then was co-owner of Wildwood Flower country music theatre in Peabody. She enjoyed entertaining.
She was a member of Peabody Christian Church.
Survivors include her spouse, of Peabody; son, Layne Pierce, Lincoln., Neb.; daughters, Susie Schmidt and Jeanne Strotkamp of Peabody, and Joyce Tyner of Newton; 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Services were held Saturday morning at Peabody Christian Church with Pastor Jim Pohlman officiating. Burial was Saturday afternoon at the Belle Plaine cemetery.
During her two-year battle with cancer, she said, "I try to look up and keep a good attitude." The disease took her life but did not conquer her.'
A memorial fund has been established with Central Homecare and Hospice.
