Mae Louise Rathmann Pierce, passed away January 7, 2022, at the age of 88 at Watauga Medical Center, Boone, NC, after a brief illness.

She was born on September 10, 1933, in Montgomery Co., PA – the only child of the late Theodore Heinrich and Thelma Eliza Rathmann. Mae moved to Palm Beach County, FL at the age of 16. She attended Palm Beach High School where she later graduated. She married the love of her life, Myrle Robert Pierce, on August 5, 1950 at Northwood Methodist Church in West Palm Beach, FL. Following her marriage, she embarked on a lifetime career as a wife, mother, grandmother (Nanny), and great-grandmother (Nanny). In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, she retired from the Palm Beach County School System as a bus driver after many years of service. In 1982 she moved to their small farm in Zionville, NC where she and Myrle have lived since retiring. Mae's greatest work and her greatest love, however, was her family – a large family, as that was always what she wanted. She loved family and they were the love and joy of her life! She was also an avid gardener, she was an amazing cook, and she was incredibly artistic in painting, sewing, crocheting and crafting.

Left to honor Mae's life is her loving husband, Myrle Pierce, Zionville, NC; her daughter, Robin and husband, Steve Morgan, Oak Hill, FL; her son, Kevin Pierce and companion, Dawn Wilson, Zionville, NC; her daughter, Kimberly and husband, Steve Garn, Creston, NC; her son, Tim Pierce and wife, Joyce, Zionville, NC; many precious and wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert "Bob" Pierce.

In celebration of her life, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Mae will be laid to rest in the Pierce Family Cemetery, Zionville, NC.

Online condolences may be sent to the Pierce family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.