Ellen Pierce Brothers

Ellen Pierce Brothers, 92, of 347 Acorn Hill Road, Sunbury, NC, died Tuesday, May 29, 2012 in her home. Mrs. Brothers was born in Gates County and was the daughter of the late Hersey Eugene "Gennie" and Hattie Hollowell Pierce. A graduate of East Carolina Teacher's College, now East Carolina University, she taught for 32 years in the Nash County, Aulander, Elizabeth City, and Sunbury school systems. A member of Damascus Christian Church, she was a former member of its choir and had served for many years as a Sunday school teacher. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by both her husbands, Roney E. Joyner and James A. Brothers. Surviving are her daughter, Gail Joyner Hobbs and husband Jerry of Sunbury; two granddaughters, Dianne Mickey and husband Robert of Hobbsville and Janet Batts and husband Don of Greenville; and four great-grandchildren, Patrick and Kyle Mickey and Ashlyn and Carter Batts. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, by the Rev. Wayne Gardner. A private burial will be held in Damascus Christian Church Cemetery. Friends may join the family in the funeral home immediately following the chapel service, and all other times at Gail and Jerry's home, 038 Hwy. 32 South, Sunbury. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the caregivers for the kindness and devotion they've shown over the past four years. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Eastern North Carolina, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27612. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.