Grace Elkins Pierce

Helen Grace Elkins Pierce peacefully joined her beloved husband, Peter, in the eternal presence of God early in the morning of June 7, 2025. She transitioned to eternity while asleep in her bed in her home in Helena, MS, where she and Peter raised their children and spoiled their grandchildren and great-grandchildren (who called her Mawmaw).

Born on November 8, 1939, Grace was the oldest of eight children. She was a beloved big sister and for the rest of her life, she served as a tender caregiver for whomever needed it. In 1956, Grace married the love of her life, A.E. “Peter” Pierce, after being introduced to him at a party to welcome him home from the Korean War. In 1957, Peter and Grace welcomed their daughter Teresa, followed by their son, Danny, four years later. For a short time, Grace was employed by Singing River Hospital in the sterilization center, but spent most of her life as a dedicated homemaker, overflowing with the heavenly gift of hospitality.

In 1963, while driving alone in her car, Grace surrendered her life to Jesus and committed to follow Him and His teachings. Shortly after, Peter made the same decision and the couple became devoted members of Escatawpa Assembly of God, where they raised their family and served for the rest of their lives. At the church in Escatawpa, Grace served as a children’s Sunday school teacher, Wednesday night Missionettes teacher, anchored the altos in the choir, cooked for any event or anyone who needed food and prayed as a Prayer Chain captain. In each service, she was always faithful to pray with anyone who came forward for prayer, no matter how young. If there was a child at the altar, chances are, Grace was kneeling beside them, with her gentle hand resting on their back, praying for the Holy Spirit to touch their little hearts.

For over sixty years, Peter and Grace made their home in Helena, MS. Grace’s greatest legacy was this home that she created- a sanctuary of warmth and welcoming. With her busy hands, she transformed their modest home into a healing haven for her family and anyone else who needed a respite from the busy world around them. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she insisted on feeding anyone who came through the door. This kitchen was where she taught her children and grandchildren the art and healing power of a home-cooked southern meal. She knew recipes by heart and could list the favorite foods of her children and grandchildren and what condiments each did and didn’t want- even as her family grew to include in-laws. Every corner of her home held traces of the way she treasured her family- hand-stitched quilts made by her grandmother draped at the end of a bed, wildflowers picked by her children arranged in mason jars, and walls and shelves adorned with family photos, capturing decades of loving memories.

Grace’s best friends were her six surviving siblings. She cherished their visits and always returned giggling about something funny Mary and Johnette had done. She had her granddaughters help her shop online for special gifts for her sisters and her eyes lit up when she landed on the perfect one. She delighted in the handmade gifts Mary made her and displayed them in places of prominence around her house. Her heart was always lighter after a Saturday visit from Gladys. She spent days preparing for visits from Linda and Wayne- she wanted the house and the food just right for them and waited in excited expectation for that truck from Texarkana to turn in the driveway. She called Herman’s name in prayer every day of her life. She and Barbara spent over sixty years living across the street from one another, and together they weathered life’s triumphs and trials- journeying from young women raising babies, to two decades faithfully caring for their mother, to grandmothers delighting in spoiling their grandbabies.

A woman of quiet strength, Grace’s life was not defined by grand gestures, but by the small, intentional acts that build a strong home and family. Her life was marked by acts of quiet devotion and the steady rhythm of a grace-filled life. The hours spent sitting around her bar eating her delicious meals, while we laughed or shared our burdens, were priceless hours that discipled, healed and encouraged us. That little house Grace and Peter built in Helena has served as a lighthouse and an anchor to our family. No matter how life was treating us, we could swing open the screen door, and step through the threshold into peace. Life felt softer in that little house. In her last week of life, Grace remarked, “It’s such a miracle, isn’t it? That I have so many in my family to take good care of me?” We were only following her example and it was our honor to care for her. We will miss her until we join her in eternity, but the memory of her loving presence will keep the world a little softer until then.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, A.E. “Peter” Pierce, a grandson, Dustin Eugene Pierce; her parents, E. Van Elkins and Jessie Mae Littlefield Elkins; 2 brothers, Michael Ray Elkins and Clarence Allen Elkins; a sister-in-law, Trudy Elkins; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Posey.

Mrs. Pierce is survived by her daughter, Teresa (Gene) Emswiler; a son, Danny (Pam) Pierce; her siblings, Herman Elkins, Barbara (Benny) Perry, Lynda Posey, Gladys (Bill) Vice, Mary (Gene) Veazey, and Johnette (Marshall) Scott; her grandchildren, Andrea (Chris) Sherman, Lauren (Michael) Watson, Heath (Rachell) Pierce, Jesse (Krista) Pierce, Ashley (Josh) Pierce, and Leah Daughdrill; 2 great-grandchildren, Alex Hardwick, Bella Sherman, Gracie Pierce Watson, Parker Pierce, Abby Pierce, Annie Watson, Emmalyn Pierce, Tanner Sherman, Logan Pierce, Cora Beth Watson, Charlie Pierce, Lane Pierce, Parker Williams and Jaxon Williams; and a sister-in-law, Mary (Ronnie) Carpenter; and other relatives and friends.

The family would like to offer a special “thank you” to Sharla Holder for the special care she gave to our mother, grandmother, and sister during the final days of her life. We would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice for taking care of both of our parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Mercy House Ministries, P.O. Box 792, Hurley, MS 39555 or Adult and Teen Challenge of Mississippi, P.O. Box 188, Poplarville, MS 39470.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 1-3 p.m. at The Vine Ministries, 7405 Hwy 613, Moss Point, MS 39563. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, in the church sanctuary. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Helena.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, West Jackson County, is serving the family.