Effie M. Pierce, 87, of Elizabethton, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following a brief illness.  She was the daughter of the late Clay and Elsie Smith Parlier and was born in Avery County, NC.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gaines Pierce and a son, Joe Pierce. Mrs. Pierce was a homemaker and a member of Hunter First Baptist Church.

She is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Ken Taylor, Johnson City; Elsie and Jim Rogers, Elizabethton; Brenda and R.C. Bennett, Johnson City; Carolyn and Terry Barnett, Johnson City; a daughter-in-law, Linda Pierce, Elizabethton; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a brother, John Parlier, Elizabethton and an aunt, Texie Fields, Gray, TN.

The funeral service for Mrs. Pierce will be conducted on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Tetrick Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Grindstaff and Rev. J.R. Pratt officiating. Music will be under the direction of Donna Williams. Closing prayer will be given by Mr. Jim Rogers.  The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5:00- 7:00 PM Saturday prior to the service and at 122 Warrior Lane, Johnson City, at other times.

The graveside service and interment will be conducted on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at 2:00 PM in the Highland Cemetery with Terry Barnett officiating.  Active pallbearers will be Clyde Williams, Jeff Williams, Daniel Williams, Tim Pierce, Stephen Barnett, Devan Jarrett, Andy Williams and Tim Decker.  Honorary pallbearers will be Mack McClelland, Dallas Caston, Rev. Talmadge Brown, Dr. Dean McLaughlin, Perry Bradford, Billy Bradford, Gary Pate, Rev. Randy Johnson, Rev. Mark Potter, Rev. Jessie Hartley and Rev. Paul Crow.   Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home at 1:15 PM to go in procession to the cemetery.