Dorothiea “Dorothy” Smallwood Pearce, daughter of Annie Mae and Lonnie Smallwood, was born August 13, 1939, in Cooper, Texas. Later moved to Paris permanently in 1951. Graduated Paris High School in 1957, and Paris Junior College in 1959. In 1961, she met the love of her life, Jerry W. Pearce, whom she married April 15, 1962. They were blessed with two wonderful children and enjoyed almost 51 years together until he preceded her in death on November 28, 2012.
Dorothy went to work at Babcock & Wilcox in September, 1964, and she retired when the plant closed in 1998. After 34 years of service, she was one of the last employees out the door.
Dorothy was also preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Donna Smallwood Anderson. She is survived by their two children, Joni Carol Chaney (husband Jerry) of Paris, and Brady Alan Pearce (wife Stephanie) of Longview. She is also survived by a sister, Peggy Dotson; grandchildren, Dana (Seth) Little, Devin (Matt) Sanders, and Carter Pearce; great grandchildren, Oden Sanders, Gabe Little and Gavin Little; nieces, Marsha (Martin) Ford and Annie Gail Scriven, nephews, Tim Dotson and Steve Dotson. She also leaves many friends from B & W, and Lamar Avenue Church of Christ where she was a member since 1951.
Dorothy wanted to thank all those who helped her during her illness, especially her very special friend, Tammy Jaramillo, the nurses and therapists at Golden Care Home Health Care, her doctors, and many friends.
The family will receive friends at Bright-Holland Funeral Home Friday, April 19th from 5 – 7 p.m. Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 20th at Lamar Avenue Church of Christ with Derald Bulls & Brad Francis officiating. Private burial will be made in Evergreen Cemetery.
If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Latchkey Program of Lamar Avenue Church of Christ, 3535 Lamar Ave., Paris, TX 75460.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
