Bettie Mary Pierce, 67, of Rusk, Texas, peacefully transitioned from this walk of life on Friday, March 6, in Rusk.
She was born July 6, 1958, in Jacksonville, Texas, to the loving parents of Sallie and Odell Coleman.
Bettie dedicated 26 years of faithful service to Rusk State Hospital. After retiring, her heart for service continued as she worked as a secretary for River of Life Christian Center in Rusk, where she was also a devoted and faithful member for more than 20 years.
Bettie had a deep love for reading, praying, and studying the Word of God. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she found great joy in sharing encouragement and kindness with others. She cherished spending time with her family and especially enjoyed taking trips with her dear friend and “bestie,” Ronda. Bettie was known for her unique collection of pens and, most of all, for her beautiful smile that warmed the hearts of everyone she encountered.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sallie and Odell Coleman; her beloved husband of 31 years, Michael Dewayne Pierce; her brothers, Otis Coleman and H. B. Mitchell; and her sisters, Vera Jean Johnson and Sherloyn Tatum.
Those left to cherish her precious memories include her son, Cedric Denson and wife Qutrina Denson of Rusk; daughters, Robin Tatum of Jacksonville and Angela Denson of Jacksonville; stepson, Steven Harper Sr. and wife Bergetter Harper of Mesquite; and stepdaughter, Lisa Pierce of Dallas. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Edward Coleman and wife Brigettie Coleman of Rowlett; her sister, Carolyn McGowan and husband Travis McGowan of Rusk; brother-in-laws, Rickey Pierce and wife Patricia Pierce of Dallas, and Donald Starling of Dallas.
Also left to cherish her memories are grandsons, Jalon and Davion Denson of Rusk, along with Steven Harper Jr., Davian Harper, and Kamaras Delaney of Dallas.
Bettie also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever treasure the love, laughter, and faith she shared with them.
Services are as follows:
Public Visitation
Friday
March 13, 2026
10:00am-5:00pm
Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home
415 N. Main St.
Jacksonville, TX 75766
Funeral Service
Saturday
March 14, 2026
11:00am
River of Life Christian Center
677 S Dickinson Dr.
Rusk, TX 75785
Interment
Session Cemetery
Rusk, Tx 75785
Directions to River of Life Christian Center can be accessed by clicking link below.
