Dolores Pierce

Dolores Jean Pierce closed her earthly eyes on January 13, 2026 and immediately opened them in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dolores spent her life in anticipation of this moment and instantly her faith became sight.

Dolores was born to Otis and Lucille (Haun) Frueh and grew up on a farm in rural Greenville, Illinois. As a child, Dolores and her younger brother, Jim, attended Plant School, not far from their farm. Later she attended Greenville High School and graduated with the class of 1953.

After high school, Dolores went to work at Greenville Printing and Supply as a stenographer for Western Union. In 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Pierce, after he completed his military service. They were married in Dolores’ home church, Mt. Gilead Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Soon they moved to Providence, Rhode Island for Wayne to attend Barrington Bible College in preparation for ministry. Dolores worked as a school secretary during this time.

Wayne and Dolores were devoted dearly to one another for 67 years. They had three daughters, Cynthia, Sandra, and Suzanne. For many years Dolores was a faithful pastor’s wife, serving with Wayne in various ministries. Their churches were Columbus Baptist Church of Mulberry Grove, Illinois; Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Burnt Prairie, Illinois, Bethany, Illinois, and Magnolia, Kentucky; Union Church of Huntington, Indiana; Manchester Baptist Church, Manchester, Illinois; First United Baptist Church in Staunton, Illinois; and Mt. Moriah Church in Coffeen, Illinois. Dolores served in many capacities in the ministries, often teaching Sunday School, youth groups , camps, various women’s mission organizations, and often directed Vacation Bible School. In her community she enjoyed participation in the Bond County Historical Society, Genealogy Society, and the American Farm Heritage Museum.

Closest to her heart were her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Dolores faithfully and earnestly prayed for each of them and often. Throughout the years, Dolores and Wayne enjoyed yearly retreats with their family at state park lodges. They took the family on a couple of cruises, making lifelong memories and cherished experiences for everyone. All the kids loved to go to their Ayres Road home and play in their wooded wonderland and creek. They spent the years traveling to their kids’ homes, helping with home projects and attending 4-H fairs, school programs, and ball games. Every time a new baby came into the family, Dolores was always there to care for mom and baby as they adjusted and settled into their new life. Dolores was an expert seamstress, not only teaching her daughters to sew but altering and creating many bridesmaids dresses no matter how difficult the pattern.

Throughout her life, Wayne always admired her for her faithfulness and wisdom. She loved the Scriptures and her favorite passage was Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” From her early days at Mt. Gilead to her last days upon earth, she tried to live faithfully with the knowledge and gratitude of her Savior’s forgiveness through His shed blood on Calvary’s cross.

Dolores is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne D. Pierce, her parents, Otis and Lucille (Haun) Frueh, and her brother, James D. Frueh.

She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia (Kendall) Shumaker, Sandra (Jay) Wysong, and Suzanne (Craig) Worthen. Grandkids include Nathan (Penelope) Shumaker, Timothy (Kathryn) Shumaker, Jonathan (Laura) Shumaker, Melissa (Hollis) Troxel, Mitchell (Erica) Wysong, Vyctoria (David ) Bruot, Whitney (Josh) Kirpatrick, Cassaundra (Eric) Lindsey and 14 adorable great-grandkids.

A celebration to honor Dolores’ life will be held at Smith Grove Church, Greenville, Illinois on Friday, January 23. 2026. Visitation will be at 11 to 12:30 with the funeral immediately following at 12:30. Interment will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Smith Grove Church or Ethos 360 (formerly New Tribes Mission), where Wayne and Dolores volunteered in retirement years.

Donnell–Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be shared by visiting www.donnellwiegand.com.

Obit Provided By:
Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home