Barbara Pierce, loving wife and mother with a kind heart and a vivacious spirit, age 84 of Sanford, FL, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of Thomas and Anne (Lipovsky) Hamilton. Barbara graduated from Woodbury High School in 1955 and married the love of her life, John (Jack) Pierce, that same year. They were blessed with three children.
In 1962, she and her family moved to Brazil and served as missionaries amongst the Krikati, an indigenous people group, and later transitioned to ministries at a boarding school for missionary children in Vianopolis, Goias. Over the next 40 years, they took on the role of dorm parents and she as campus hostess, cafeteria cook, and countless other duties. Barbara and Jack returned to the U.S. after serving 50 years abroad and made Sanford, Florida their home.
Barbara will forever be remembered for her generosity and radiant smile that would light up a room. Never at a loss for words, she could strike up hour long conversations with perfect strangers and find common interests with everyone she met. Her home was a welcoming gathering place. No matter what the hour, or number of visitors, there was always room at the table and a fresh pot of coffee and cakes at the ready.
Barbara had a tremendous love for Jesus Christ. Her profound faith never wavered. One of her favorite scripture passages is Psalms 34: 18-20 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. (NIV)
Barbara is survived by her adoring husband of 67 years, her three children, John (spouse Carol), Dawn and Rebecca, 8 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Hamilton.
A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at 3PM on Saturday December 10th, 2022 in the chapel of The Homes of Ethnos360 located at 108 Mission Blvd, Sanford, Florida 32771.