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AHOSKIE – Viola Hodges Pierce, 93, of Ahoskie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Pierce was born on January 22, 1931 to Phate Nathaniel Hodges and Annie Elizabeth McLawhorn Hodges in Washington, NC. Viola was a devoted mother, and grandmother that cherished her family. She was an extremely hard worker all of her life and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever she could. She was a graduate of beauty school and practiced cosmetology for many years, later turning her focus on care giving with becoming a nurse’s aide. Always there for a child in need, she loved to care for them and show her selfless attention to their needs. As one of her granddaughters said it, “she always gave the best, warmest hugs around.” Viola enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her 1st husband and father of her children, Leslie Pierce; her 2nd husband, Oliver Pierce; a son, Wayne Pierce; great grandchild, Jordan; stepchildren, Betty Jo, and Keith; and eleven of her siblings.

Viola is survived by two daughters, Joan Pierce, and Connie Ann Pierce; two sons, Steven Nathaniel Pierce, and Terry Alan Pierce, all of Ahoskie; six granddaughters, Catherine Morris Harrell (Kevin) of Ahoskie, Melanie April Pierce of Ahoskie, Kari Tibbits (Kenny) of Virginia Beach, VA, Terri Lynn White of Gates County, Tammy Monique Pierce of West Palm Beach, FL, and Rachel Pierce of San Antonio, TX; four grandsons, Jason Mack Evans (Morgan) of Gates County, Bruce Walter Riddell of Raleigh, Travis Daniel Pierce of Gates County, and Quinton Pierce of Hertford; twelve great grandchildren, Calvin, Ella, Kyla, Michael, Amber, Kaitlyn, Kayla, Hailey, Sierra, Matthew, Jesse, and Daniel; sister, Helen (Marty) of Chocowinity; two brothers, Randy Hodges of Charlotte, Lindy Hodges (Myrtle) of Chesapeake, VA; stepchildren, Ricky, and Pat; special beloved granddaughter, Mary Beth Matthews; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 10-10:45 a.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC with a service to follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel with Rev. Anita Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Pierce family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.