Laverne Pierce-Bailey

Mary Laverne Haynes Pierce Bailey, 97, of Carthage, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on November 26, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. Retired from Carthage ISD, she was born and raised in Marshall, a descendant of pioneer families of Harrison and Panola Counties. Apart from her many longtime friends, she was predeceased by her parents, Richard W. and Mary Erma (Sanders) Haynes; siblings, Richard W. Haynes, Jr., William (Billy) Alexander Haynes, and Eva Carolyn Haynes; and husbands, Willie E. Pierce and Eugene L. Bailey, Jr.

Survivors include her son, Richard A. (Lisa) Pierce of Dripping Springs, Texas; her daughter, Vicki Pierce (Michael) Stroeher of Huntington, West Virginia; her granddaughter, Susan Pierce (Richard) Lazarou of Sugarland, Texas; her grandson, Wesley (Elaine) Pierce of Woodway, Texas; great-grandchildren, Richard and Emmeline Pierce of Woodway, Texas; beloved caretaker, Natalie Cole of Carthage, Texas; and multiple nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Walton Cemetery with Bro. Thomas Carter officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation to be held from 1-2 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home prior to the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Walton Cemetery, 1274 County Road 219, Carthage, Texas 75633 or the First Methodist Church, 201 South Shelby, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.