Helen Hofler Pierce

   Helen Marie Hofler Pierce, 89, formerly of Silver Springs Road, Sunbury, NC, died on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, in Brookdale of Elizabeth City.

   Mrs. Pierce was born on Silver Springs Road in Gates County on December 10, 1934, the daughter of the late Walter Linwood and Selma Craft Hofler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Staley “J.S.” Pierce, Jr.; and sisters, Hazel Stephan and Dorothy Ange.

   A graduate of the University of Nebraska, she taught in public school systems in Kansas, Albuquerque, NM, Suffolk, VA, before returning home to teach at Gates County High School. She left teaching for a time to begin raising her two girls. After they were up and about, she returned to the school system, working in both the Sunbury Elementary and Gatesville Elementary libraries.

   A faithful member of Beulah Baptist Church, she was for many years its choir director, served as a Sunday school teacher, and worked with the W.M.U. and various church committees. Community involvement included her membership in the Sunbury Woman’s Club and the Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

   Surviving are her daughters, Kirby-lynn Pierce Parker (husband, Jack) and Staley-marie Pierce; and two grandchildren, Pierce Jarrett Parker and Sarah White Richardson (husband, Caleb), all of Sunbury.

   Funeral services will be held Monday, April 1st, at 2:00 p.m. in Beulah Baptist Church and will be conducted by Pastor Greg Jernigan. Friends are invited to visit with the family in the social hall of the church immediately following a private burial, or all other times at Kirby-lynn and Jack’s home, 356 Silver Springs Road, Sunbury.

   Contributions in her memory may be made to either Beulah Baptist Church, P.O. Box 101, or to the Sunbury Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 40, both in Sunbury, NC 27979.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.