Mary Neese Pierce, age 71, of Lavonia, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at AnMed Health in Anderson, SC. Born on July 27, 1954, in Oconee County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Walton and Edith Jones Neese.

Mary dedicated her career to her craft as a seamstress, retiring from TNS/Wellstone Mills in Lavonia. Above all, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother, the best grandmother you could ask for, and a supportive sister.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her husband, Kenneth Steven Pierce; her children, James Nix, Jr. and Tamera Nix Guerrero; and her grandchildren, Kayla Nicole Banda (married to Heriberto Banda Perez), Justin Joseph Nix, and Lillian Edith Nix. Additionally, she leaves behind a great-granddaughter, Brayleigh Jean Armstrong, her siblings, Gary Neese, Roger Neese, Rachel Pruitt, Beth Spears, Wayne Wood, and Donald Wood, and brother-in-law, Leonard "Roni" Pierce, and sister-in-law, Beverly Brown. She will also be missed by her numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the funeral home chapel. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements.