VIRGINIA PIERSON
BLAKESBURG-Virginia “Ginny” Frances Pierson, 91, passed away on January 8, 2017 at the Davis County Hospital in Bloomfield.
She was born on July 3, 1925 in Unionville, IA to Claus Albin and Bertha Eldora “Dora” Wood Johnson. She married Norman Bryce Pierson on August 4, 1946. After a honeymoon to Arizona, they resided on the Pierson family farm southeast of Blakesburg. Here they raised 3 children, Larry, Gary and Susie.
After graduating from Unionville High School, she moved to Centerville and worked at the egg hatchery. She then moved to Ottumwa and worked for Kinney Shoe Store for $11 a week. She took a job at Northwestern Bell Telephone and thought she was making a fortune at $18 a week.
When she and Bryce married, she quickly became the typical farm wife of the era- a housewife and a chore hand. They raised hogs until the 70’s and continued to have cattle today, Hereford and commercial. They put up a lot of hay over the years, including their own and doing custom work, all with FORD equipment of course!
After the death of her husband on January 19, 2002, she continued to farm into her 80’s until her health did not permit it. She still enjoyed looking out her kitchen window at her cattle and telling us what needed to be done.
In later years, she attended many country music shows in Unionville and Blakesburg. She enjoyed going out to lunch with her 2 sons, Gary and Larry and raising cattle with daughter, Susie and granddaughter, Alexis Brandt. She also appreciated coffee time with grandson, Wesley.
Survivors include 2 sons, Gary (Jodi) Pierson and Larry (Evelyn) Pierson both of Ottumwa; a daughter, Susie Pierson of Blakesburg; 5 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Vern and sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Johnson.
Graveside services and burial will be 12 noon Wednesday at Jay Cemetery with Pastor Danny Cary officiating.
Pallbearers will be Gary, Larry and Wesley Pierson, Troy Smith, Richard and Russell Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Hopewell Church.
A huge thank you to all of the neighbors who have extended offers to help with chores during this difficult time. We are truly blessed to be a part of such a special community.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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