Barbara J. Pierce

Barbara J. Pierce, 86, of Manila, the widow of Joe Dean Pierce, passed away Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at the Monette Manor Nursing Center. Born in Manila, she was the daughter of the late W.E. and Cora Leah Jackson Ballard and was a 1956 graduate of Manila High School. In their younger years Barbara and Joe Dean had lived throughout the country as Joe Dean served in the U.S. Air Force. They later returned to Manila where Barbara worked many years as a revenue agent for the Arkansas State Revenue Department. Barbara was an accomplished artist and enjoyed painting and spending time with her family. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three sons, Mickey Pierce (Wilma) of Lepanto, Dave Pierce (Mylinda) of Monette and Barry Pierce (Beverly) of Mountain View; one daughter, Kellye Brown (Larry) of Brandenburg, Ky. She also leaves five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila with Rev. Allen Glass officiating. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Mickey Pierce, Dave Pierce, Barry Pierce, Larry Brown, Kamden Brown and Chris Timmerberg. The family will receive visitors Tuesday from noon until service time at the funeral home. The family prefers any memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or the First Methodist Church in Manila, P.O. Box 1367, Manila, AR 72442. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.