Jacqueline Pearce

Mrs. Jacqueline “Jackie” S. Griffith Pearce, 72, of Stedman, N.C., died Friday, January 01, 2016, in Fayetteville, N.C. after a long illness. Born in Harnett County, she was the daughter of Odell and Pearl Babb Smith. Jackie was a graduate of Lillington High School. She had been the co- owner and operator of 5 Cato Stores located in Rock Hill, York, Chester and Lancaster, S.C. as well as Concord, N.C.  .

Following a career in fashion sales, she retired from CarMax, having served locations in Greenville, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C. She had a natural ability to work with flowers, plants and shrubs to make them grow and be productive. Through this interest in nature, she was a graduate of the Master Gardener program at Clemson University. Jackie was one who never met a stranger and befriended those she saw in need.

Her life was directed towards serving Jesus Christ as her Savior, Friend and Mentor. She was a loving and dedicated mother to her children and her family and will be greatly missed and loved by all who knew her. Jackie was a member of the Hay Street United Methodist Church and Friendship Sunday School Class. Prior to moving to Fayetteville, she and her husband were members of  Chestnut Street United Methodist Church in Lumberton, N.C. where she served as an office volunteer.

She is survived by her husband, Phil Pearce of the home, one son Jeff Griffith and wife Sherry of Milton, Georgia, one daughter, Suzanne Sprouse and husband Jimmy of Rock Hill, S.C., three grandchildren, Brandon Griffith, Savana Sprouse and Josh Sprouse, two sisters, Lunette Nordan of Erwin, N.C. and Linda Bryant of Benson, N.C. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her siblings, Adeline, Elizabeth, Jimmy, Bobby, John, Willie and Edward.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a. m.  Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Wake Forest Cemetery in Wake Forest, N.C. with Rev. David Blackman and Rev. Archie Barringer officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Joyce Brady Chapel in Bennett, N.C. and at other times at the residence at 6325 Blake Road in Steadman, N.C.

Condolences may be offered online at www.joycebradychapel.com .

Joyce Brady Chapel of Bennett, N.C. is honored to serve the Pearce family.