Arliss Bernadine Gundy Pierce, 85, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2018 at her home in Corpus Christi, TX, after complications from open heart surgery.
Arliss was born on December 24, 1932 in Long Beach, California, a daughter of Albert and Martha Nelson Gundy. Her father Albert was enlisted in the U.S. Navy and his numerous deployments resulted in Arliss calling many different cities home, including San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, and Brooklyn, NY. She eventually moved to Corpus Christi where she met Lowell R. Pierce, and they were married on May 17, 1950. Together, they raised five children; surviving are Darrell (Leslie) Pierce of Katy, TX, Cheryl Heymann of Corpus Christi, and Lowell (Lori) Pierce Jr. of Boerne, TX.
She loved the outdoors, being an avid camper and gardener, and loved fishing. Arliss developed an early knack for writing and published numerous short stories. She was an active Den Mother, supporting Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and was deeply involved in her children's Little League baseball activities. Arliss felt blessed to have served as an enduring volunteer, working to save countless lives as a first responder for Corpus Christi's Suicide Hotline. She was an active volunteer within the AARP organization and an active donor to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Arliss is survived by 9 grandchildren; Ryan (Courtney) Pierce of Katy TX, Michael (Laura) Heymann of Arlington, TX, Stephanie (Eddie) Garcia of Helotes, TX, Michelle (Kevin) Hart of Austin,TX, Mason Pierce of Boerne, TX, Leslie Pierce of Boerne, TX, Tanya (Victor) Gonzales of Corpus Christi, Derek Crumbley of Everett, WA, and Kirk Crumbley, of Corpus Christi.
Eight great-grandchildren survive: Christian, Colton, Victoria, Elias, Brianna, Alycee, Zayda, and Isabella. She is also survived by 3 great-great-grandchildren, 3 nieces, and 2 nephews.
Arliss was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lowell, two children- Linda (Tommy) Crumbley and Jeffery Pierce, her sister Violet (Denis) Gundy Schmidt, and grandchildren Brent Heymann and Travis Pierce.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 19, 2018. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Memory Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 8200 Old Brownsville Road Corpus Christi, TX 78415.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charitable organization of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Sep. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Arliss Pierce

Sponsored by Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery.

18 Entries

Alize Crumbley

June 25, 2019

I miss u so much rn I will always love u and I will never forget u I had an amazing time with u over my childhood and I just wish u and grandma Linda were still have and I'm 13 now and I made it to 8th grade and I loved the times we had together and u will always be in my heart and I'll never forget u You will remain in my heart and I had the best time with u and just know I will always love u and I will never forget you.

Mike Heymann

September 24, 2018

Gone but never to be forgotten. My fondest memories are Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings at the house. I loved having a task of he;ping harvest from the garden and snapping green beans for our meal. You were my inspiration for my love of gardening that I carry with me every day. So much love for your family that can never be replaced. Love you grandma.

Stephanie Garcia

September 20, 2018

She will never be forgotten.. I remember the many holidays we spent with my grandma... Thanksgiving was my favorite and getting to spend time with the whole family .. so many wonderful memories that I will cherish forever

Peter Heymann

September 18, 2018

All of us called her Grandma Pierce, and when we visited her at the rehab center the Saturday before she went home to the Lord, after saying Hi Grandma, she thought I was her Grandson. She was my mother-in-Law for more years than I can count and an amazing and wonderful person. During the holidays, she always had plenty of radishes from her own garden just for me, and when I mentioned it last Saturday morning - she remembered. I miss having her in my life, but know that she is with her family on the other side of the veil. Rest in Peace Grandma Pierce, we miss you

Lowell Pierce

September 16, 2018

We know you'd be with us today if heaven wasn't so far away
Love you and will miss you
Lowell

Julia Schmitz

September 16, 2018

I always remember Aunt Arliss's and Uncle Rudy's visits to WI. They were so sweet and kind. It meant a visit to the candy store. I was fortunate to spend time with Arliss as an adult while I was living in TX. Her term of endearment for you was sugar'. I thought it was sweet and I loved it. She was such a special lady with a lot of love in her heart. My thoughts go out to family and friends during this time. Rest In Peace Aunt Arliss.

Julia Schmitz

September 16, 2018

I always remember Aunt Arliss and Uncle Rudy's visits to WI. Always so sweet and loving. And it meant a visit to the candy store. I was fortunate to spend time with Arliss during my adult yrs while living in TX. Her term of endearment was calling you sugar'. It was very sweet way of being addressed and I loved it. A very special and kind lady with so much love in her heart. My thoughts are with the family in the weeks and months ahead.
Rest In Peace Aunt Arliss

Chris Schmitz

September 16, 2018

I remember trips to Texas and going crabbing with chicken. Aunt Arliss was always warm and loving with a smile on her face. Most of my memories are from childhood and there is a warm glow associated with all of them. My prayers for the family.

Joe Ramirez

September 14, 2018

It was a pleasure and honor your a one of a kind and loved by many may you Rest In Peace I enjoyed the past Christmas with y'all with deepest sympathy (joe) victors father

Jeff Julie Bailey

September 14, 2018

I didn't know you very well but wen I met you you turned it to be an amazing woman god bless you rip. Julie and Jeff bailey

September 14, 2018

Rip

Victor Gonzales

September 14, 2018

An amazing woman was called home to be with the Lord many lives were touched by you mine included you had unconditional love for everyone you looked past their flaws and for that im grateful that you accepted me as one of your own you will be greatly missed the short time I had was an honor im not perfect but i truly loved you my heart aches for you but one day we will be reunited ....victor

Tanya Crumbley Gonzales

September 14, 2018

Grams....there's so much to say about you!! You were my second mom not just a grandma!!! Besides my immediate family you were the most important person in my life next to my mom. I remember as a kid you and grandaddy were always taking me traveling all over the u.s. which I have so many heart felt memories of that and all the family camping trips. I enjoyed always going to feminique with you and playing bingo! I loved spending time with you and grandaddy when I was younger I would ask to stay the night and most of the time it would end being a couple weeks at a time. Y'all could never get rid of me..lol
Anyways throughout all these years up till your passing you were always there for me and loved me unconditionally which is one of the many things I loved so much about you. I wish I could have been there to say goodbye before you left us but at least I will never have any bad memories of you. Please tell grandaddy I say happy happy bday and let mom know that I miss her so so much and I will always and forever love all of you love your granddaughter tanya

Cheryl Heymann

September 14, 2018

I bet this is the best birthday Daddy has ever had. Today is his birthday and you are able to celebrate it with him in heaven.

Kirk Crumbley

September 14, 2018

Love you grandma! You were such a loving person. I will miss you.

Darrell Pierce

September 14, 2018

I love you Mom and will miss you. So many good memories!

September 14, 2018

Mom, I never expected to encounter the stark realities of life in a way which would leave me with so much strife. I know much about death and that life is fickle but, forgot how devastating it is to lose a loved one. You suffered and endured pain and experienced life's worst lows by experiencing the loss of loved one's who preceded you in death. You were always able to look on the bright side of everything and always had a smile. The day you passed away I realized that you were nothing less than God's bestowed prize. God has taken you home and has you wrapped in his arms but, I can still feel your spirit and will always have you in my heart.

Your loving daughter,
Cheryl Lynn Pierce Heymann

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