Ruth Pierce

Ruth Caroline "Nannie" Pierce (nee Peace), 92, of Colonial Heights, Virginia, entered eternal life on November 11, 2015. She was born on May 5, 1923, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Henry Thornton Peace and Sarah Jessie (Smith) Peace. She spent much of her childhood in Lincoln, Rhode Island, and graduated from Block Island, Rhode Island, High School in 1941. Whether it was her radiant smile, her mischievous grin, her signature style, or her boundless energy and warmth, she left an indelible impression on all who met her. She was the focal point of countless holiday celebrations and simple family get-togethers. Her deep love of music, singing, and dancing has influenced the lives of all of those who carry on her legacy. Nannie is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Rick) Blanton, of Colonial Heights, Virginia; her son, Donald (Mary) Pierce, of Midlothian, Virginia; a grandson, Kenneth (Heather) Pierce, of Baltimore, Maryland; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Patrick) Tabor, of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Heather (Liem) Nguyen, of San Diego, California; six great-grandchildren, Adelyn and Aidan Pierce, Colin and Kaitlyn Tabor, and Brenden and Kai Nguyen; and a niece, Lynda Burke of Broad Brook, Connecticut. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harvey Jackson Pierce; and her brother, Henry "Hank" Thornton Peace. Nannie will be laid to rest alongside her parents and husband in Moshassuck Cemetery, Central Falls, Rhode Island. While she will be sorely missed by those that remain, she will always be remembered fondly for her innumerable acts of love and generosity. She loved life and will forever stand as a model of a life well-lived. The family is being served by E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crater Community Hospice, 3916 South Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805