Janet Michelle Pierce of Decatur, formerly of Gainesville, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 15th, surrounded by the love of all who knew her.
She had given pancreatic cancer a valiant fight from the day it was diagnosed, and remained positive and fiercely determined through months of treatment, complications, and the progress of the disease. Few of us will ever have to demonstrate the kind of courage and inner strength that Janet showed daily to all those who surrounded her with their medical expertise, their love and their prayers.
Janet excelled at every endeavor that she attempted. She was an outstanding student and received numerous academic awards while a student in Gainesville. Janet's distinguished public school career was crowned when she became valedictorian of the class of 1982 at Gainesville High School. Janet furthered her education by earning a management degree with highest honors from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Janet effortlessly became a CPA and went on to excel as a business professional. Her career path included positions at Ernst and Young, BET and Price Waterhouse Coopers. Most recently she served as the Tax Director, Corporate Tax at Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc.
Janet's passion for music began in her childhood as a member of a church youth choir. She became an accomplished pianist and took great pride in playing the clarinet in the Gainesville High School marching band. She has always been deeply involved in music, both in church choir, hand bells and as an officer of the Michael O'Neal Singers.
Janet was also passionately involved with numerous causes. She was deeply concerned about the environment and worked hard to ensure that the beauty of our planet would be preserved for all future generations. She served on the board of directors of the Agape Community Center. Her many benevolences made life easier for those that were less fortunate.
By far the most important part of Janet's life was her faith. Her love of God shone through every part of her life, from her involvement in the community, love of the arts and many services to Trinity Presbyterian Church, culminating in her ordination as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. She was a shining example of how to live a life based on Biblical principles.
Janet is survived by her parents, Glenda and Rueben Pierce; her brother and sister-in-law, Chad and Ani Pierce; two nephews, Braxton and Christian Pierce; a niece, Nicolle Pierce and an extended loving family along with numerous friends. She is preceded in death by maternal grandparents the Reverend Andrew Miller and Lessie Miller Brewer and paternal grandparents George and Margie Pierce.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 18th at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville and at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 29th at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. The family will receive friends at the church following both services.
Flowers are appreciated. Alternately, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Atlanta or the charity of one's choice.
Those wishing to make online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
