Carolyn Pierce

Carolyn Faye Pierce, born April 2, 1947, in Altavista, Virginia, passed peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 78. A longtime resident of Covington, Virginia, she devoted her life to building a faith-centered family rooted in love and togetherness.

She was a devoted mother to her sons, Gary Pierce and his wife Chrissy of Salem, Virginia, and Calvin Pierce and his wife Traci of Lockhart, Texas. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother, and her world revolved around her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and without reservation.

Carolyn 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.

She cherished every opportunity to be present in her grandchildren’s lives, rarely missing a ball game—whether football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, or cross-country—and cheering loudly for her Glenvar athletes. Many knew her as the “shoe fairy” for her annual tradition of taking them school-shoe shopping each summer. Carolyn found great pleasure in the outdoors, whether hiking, wading in the river, or creating memories on family vacations. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, crafting, and decorating her church. A faithful member of Cornerstone Church of God of Prophecy in Covington, her strong faith in God was the foundation of her life, and she spent many years sharing the gospel and encouraging others.

Carolyn retired after many years of service from Sears in Lynchburg and later from MeadWestvaco in Low Moor. She shared countless laughs and adventures with her dear friend Janet Campbell. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Rosie Hudson, her mother Clarice King, and her brother Wayne Miller. She is survived by her brother Lavelle King, sisters Shirley Glass and Diane Jensen, stepfather Burton King, all of North Carolina, along with many beloved aunts and uncles.

Carolyn will be remembered for her generous heart, her deep love for her family, and the comfort she found in her faith. Her family finds solace knowing she is now at home with the Lord.