Olive Pearce

Olive Mae Pearce, 79, of Springdale, Arkansas, died Thursday, February 10, 2011. She was born June 12, 1931 in Benton County to Zelma Ruth (Shook) Holland and Herschel (Buck) Holland. Mae grew up on the farm, which was located northwest of the Healing Springs community. She was a member of the last graduating class of Vaughn High School in 1949, where she played on the women's six-on-six basketball squad. She married her classmate, Fred Pearce, on March 31, 1951. This proved to be just the beginning of a nearly sixty year love affair. Mae took seriously her role as wife and mother. She would spend many hours working and playing with her children. She was always there to drive her children, and their friends, to and from school and other activities. The house served as a nucleus for many of her daughter's confetti making gatherings before football games. She would never allow anyone to leave her house without eating. Her son was constantly bringing numerous friends over to the house, unannounced. It never fazed her. She was always able to "whip something up in a jiffy", as she always liked to say. She was a member, and former Sunday school teacher, of the Methodist Church. She was an active participant in the Parent Teacher Association, and volunteered as a substitute teacher for the Springdale School System. For many years, she volunteered at the election polling stations. Mae also was called upon to serve on several jury trials throughout the years. Mae was preceded in death by her husband of nearly sixty years, Fred; her parents, Herschel (Buck) and Zelma Ruth Holland; and her brother, Herschel Owen Holland. She is survived by her daughter Lynda Davis; her son, Michael Pearce and wife Denise; two granddaughters, Rachael Long and husband Laken, and Megan Pearce: one grandson, Eric Pearce; one great grandson, Damien Long; one niece, Patti Payne and husband Ross; and two nephews, Mark Corley and wife Traci, and Cliff Corley and wife Becca. Olive Mae loved her family and loved her role in taking care of them. The Good Lord has allowed her to be reunited with the love of her life, Fred, and to remain together for eternity. She will be missed. Funeral services will be Monday, February 14, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale with Rev. Audie Long officiating. Private burial services will be in the Elm Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 3 to 5pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.