Sharon Pierce

Sharon June Pierce, 81, of Tilton, passed away on March 10, 2026 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, Illinois. Born to Rosemary and Leonard Allen, Sr. in Danville on September 11, 1944, she was raised in Hoopeston, where she spent many formative years. On April 16, 1961, she married James Hollis Pierce, who survives her.

Sharon devoted more than two decades to her work at Big Lots before continuing her career at WorkSource. She also spent many hours cleaning houses, earning admiration for her strong work ethic and reliability. Beyond her professional life, she was a vibrant, easygoing woman who formed deep connections with others through her genuine kindness and openness. She was especially cherished as a loving sister and aunt, roles she embraced with generosity and warmth.

She found joy in shopping, exploring rummage sales and thrift stores, hosting lively family dinners filled with laughter, attending stock car races, playing bingo, and listening to country music. Some of her favorite afternoons were spent at the Dairy Barn and visiting family and friends.

Sharon is survived by her husband, James Hollis Pierce; her son, Randy Pierce, who was her world and with whom she shared a special bond as a team; her granddaughter, Brooke (Chris) Atkins; her sister, Gloria (Rick) Hufford; several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and her dog, Ivan. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Leonard Allen, Jr., Danny Allen, Sr., and Donna Yanders; her best friend Loretta Cohen; her dog Elvira; and her nieces Renée Wright and Jamie Sternberger.