Ruby Lee Pierce, 98, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at VITAS Suites at Carlton Shores, Daytona Beach. The daughter (youngest of nine children) of Bessie and William "Bill" Nelson, she was born on Tuesday, November 23, 1921, in Tifton Georgia. She moved to Deland, Florida with her parents and siblings at an early age. She received her formal education in the Volusia County School System. She was married to William Henry Woodard and within their marriage three children were born: Peggy, Euginia (Jeannie), and Vivian (Viv).
After moving to Palatka, she met and married Leviticus (Lee) Pierce and within their marriage seven children were born: Levetta, Ruben "Bubba", Richard "Stevie", James "Edward", Connie, Brenda "Joyce", and Audrey.

Ruby was a longtime member of the New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and served as the founder of the church's Usher Board (serving as a member and president). She was a devoted Deaconess, serving as a Mother of the Church and also on the Mother's Board.
Ruby was active in the community as a volunteer with the Meals on Wheels Program, the Guardian ad Litem Program and reading to seniors. Over the years, she served in the Masonic family was a member of the Doric Chapter #166, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron, Financial Secretary, and Past Worthy Matron.

Some of her favorite pastimes involved gardening and traveling, but what she enjoyed most was spending time with her family. She got great pleasure in being the winner over her grandchildren and anyone who dared to challenge her at any game they played.

In addition to her parents, Ruby was preceded in eternal rest by her siblings, husband, and four of her ten children.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, wisdom and "mother wit", six children - one son, James Edward Pierce, Ocala; five daughters, Peggy Fryer, Daytona Beach; Levetta Parker, Palatka; Connie (Henry) Hutcherson, Lakewood, NJ; Brenda Joyce (Carl) Brock, Cinnaminson, NJ; Audrey Wise, Lakewood, NJ; 26 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Marcus Pierce, Lexington, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines (including required masks) a limited, socially-distanced visitation of family and friends will be from 10-12 noon, on Sunday, July 19 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." A Private Family Celebration of Mother Pierce's life will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 19 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Her former pastor, Reverend James E. Vickers, eulogist and her pastor, Reverend Terrance Chester, New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, San Mateo. In lieu of flowers, the Pierce family requests Memorial tributes in loving memory of Ruby Lee Pierce, VITAS Hospice, 320 Zeagler Drive, Suite# 101, Palatka, FL 32177.