Darlene M. Pierce

Darlene Marie Pierce, age 78, — a loyal, gentle woman who dearly loved her family — died peacefully at home on Monday, March 30, 2020. Darlene, of Charlotte, was born August 15, 1941 in Lansing, the daughter of Ceyland Earl and Edla Marie (Sherman) Kelley. She married Dwight I. Pierce on September 10, 1960; they were to celebrate 60 years together this fall. Darlene worked 35 years at Auto Owners Insurance Company in the claims department, retiring in 1999. She and Dwight attended Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte and enjoyed time spent with family and with their automobiles. Many will remember Darlene as an unwavering and honest coworker and friend.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Dwight I. Pierce; daughter, Darla (Dale) Arnold; son, Garrett (Brendalee) Pierce; 4 grandchildren, Dale (Stephanie) Arnold, Jr., Andrea Arnold, Kelley (Shon) Allen, and Nicholas Arnold; three great-grandchildren (soon to be four), Astrid and Allistair Arnold, and Spencer Allen. She was predeceased by her twin-brother, Darwin Earl Kelley in 1981; her older brother, Sherman Ceyland Kelley in 2018, and her parents, both in 1995.
Friends are encouraged to support Darlene’s family through calls, letters and through her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A memorial service at Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte will take place at a time and date to be determined after the current quarantine and sheltering guidelines have been eased. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Calvary Baptist Church of Charlotte.