Martha Ann Pierson, age 69, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, July 17th, 2012 at her home.  Following cremation, a memorial service was held at Irvin Funeral Home in Centralia with Chaplain Eric Williams officiating.  Private inurnment at Glenwood Cemetery in Shelbyville, IL.  Memorials to VNA TIP Hospice.

Mrs. Pierson was a 3rd grade teacher at Willow Grove School for over 25 years. She was a long time area resident,  was a member of Beta Sigma Phi,  a volunteer for the Red Cross in Oklahoma and also a member of the Grace Sunday school class in Oklahoma.

Survivors include her son, Kris Pierson and wife Kathy of Narrows, VA; daughter, Paula Marcum and husband Chip of Centralia; sister, Alta Spear and husband Nate of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Daniel Pierson, Elena Pierson, Whitney Hoepker, Tyler Hoepker and Gabrielle Finley and 1 great grandchild, Braxton Hoepker.

She was born on August 25th, 1942 in Henryetta, OK, the daughter of Joe and Lela (Henry) McKay. She married James Wayne Pierson on February 2, 1963 and he preceded her in 1996.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Kenneth McKay and sister-in-law Pat McKay.

Information provided by Janice Teel Crites (Class of 1960) and Find A Grave