Our lovely wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend returned home to her Heavenly Father on June 15, 2020, finding peace after a brave battle with ALS.
JoAnn Hinckley Peirce was born January 1, 1940 in Salt Lake City to Arza A. and Erma Taysom Hinckley, being the third in a wonderful family of eight children. She often acknowledged her amazing parents and idyllic childhood. She attended Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. A blind date led to her marriage on July 14, 1961 to Earle W. Peirce in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married by President Gordon B. Hinckley. They loved each other dearly and their home was always the center of the family.
She had a strong belief and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She cherished her membership and joyfully served the Lord and others with all her heart. She served as a teacher in all organizations of the church, Young Women’s President, Primary President, several Relief Society Presidencies, ordinance worker in the Jordan and Draper Temples, and church service missionary. The highlight of her church service was serving with her husband, Earle, in the Georgia Atlanta Mission.
While JoAnn was recognized as a top employee at CompHealth for 18 years, her greatest blessings in life came from being a wife, mother of seven wonderful children, and grandmother of 21. Her family was her most priceless treasure. She saw that family get-togethers were held often and birthdays and important events were remembered and celebrated. We have fond memories of family traditions, favorite meals, and family-centered activities.
She was blessed with artistic instincts and had a surprising sense of adventure. She leaves a legacy of sweet generosity, the value of hard work while maintaining a cheery attitude, and a love of nature and its beauty. She showed us that an organized and sparkling home, filled with love, can be a Heaven on earth. We will miss her smile and her generous and compassionate nature.
She is survived by six of her children Edward (Marsha), Lynda Wolters (Scott), Nathan (Robyn), Shanna Beesley (Thomas), Sherman (Jocelyn), Brian (Rebecca), 21 grandchildren, 4 great- grandchildren, sisters Jean Howell (Rex), Susan Thomas (Jack), Louise Crosby (Richard), and brothers Lon Hinckley (Stephanie), Harold Hinckley (Diane). She was preceded in death by her parents, her second son, Steven Earle, and sisters Jessie Milligan (Don) and Kay Cannon (Ned).
The family would like to thank her many caring friends, the Union 4th Ward, the ALS Rocky Mountain Chapter, and the numerous health workers that served her lovingly in the final months of her life.
Friends and family are invited to the viewing on Saturday, June 20, between 12:00 PM and 1:45 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy. Please wear a mask as there will be several people over the age of 65 in attendance. The private funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM. A live stream of the funeral will be available at RememberingJoann.net.
Even though mother dearly loved flowers, she, in lieu of flowers, would like contributions to be made to the Church Mission Fund.
I considered JoAnn to be a second mother throughout my time in high school and during and after attending military training with Nathan, her son. When the gang was hanging out in her home, she always had the time to see what was happening in our lives, making sure that we knew that she cared about us and had everything we needed. The words thoughtful, caring and generous just don't seem to be adequate to describe her. She will be missed by all. My condolences to the Peirce family.
Our Aunt JoAnn was a special person, who has gone to her reward. She had Christlike qualities for all of us to emulate. We are better people for having known her. Our love and condolences to family and friends. Bruce and Elaine King
JoAnn was a wonderful sister-in-law, wife, mother, and homemaker. She took such good care of my brother. She was a wonderful example of spiritual living. We will all miss her.
JoAnn and I grew up together out on North Temple where the Hinckley family lived until they sold their farm for the new airport. We were best friends and Jessie and my sister Coy were best friends. I hung out at JoAnn's house because it was such a much bigger house than ours. Erma was such an amazing mom to all her kids. I spent some of my favorite days growing up there with all the kids. They were all fun to be with. JoAnn and I got together a few times over the years but not enough! She was just like her mom, so soft spoken and quietly elegant. We were the same age so I know it won't be long before I see her again.
Peirce family, we were sad to hear of JoAnn’s unexpected illness and, while glad her suffering has ended, are deeply sorry for your loss. We appreciate the close friendship she and our mom shared over the many years. Countless times, we watched out the front window for those long driveway conversations to end - but the laughter just went on and on. I am sure they look forward to a lovely reunion on the other side when the time comes. We wish we were able to be there in person to show our gratitude for your mom but send our love to you all.
JoAnn has been a wonderful friend to me and my family.
She took care of both my Significant Other, Marcia, and Marcia's daughter, Nola, as they battled mental
and physical health problems that led to their deaths.
JoAnn has earned a place in heaven and in my heart.
I absolutely loved JoAnn! I met her at Curves. JoAnn was quick to learn everyone's name who came to Curves. She welcomed the ladies by name and was always smiling and happy. JoAnn had a Christlike spirit and was a joy to be around. We will miss her greatly.
JoAnn was one of the kindest and most gracious souls I have ever known! Her beautiful smile and gentle nature will be missed by many! It was a blessing in my life to have known her, I send my love and sympathy to Earle and family💕
It's so sad that we can't honor this sweet lady and wonderful woman the way we expected to. We have been neighbors for many years and our children have grown up with the Pierce children. We will miss JoAnn very much. We just wanted the family to know that they are in our prayers and that we will see her again and continue the great work that she was involved in. Our love to all, especially to our good brother Earle and know we are here for any need you may have.
Sincerely, Bob & Jean Pearson
Dear Earle and Family;
I express my condolences and love to you and your family at the passing of JoAnn. I remember being in your home for a missionary setting apart and know of your love for each other and devotion to the Lord and your family. May the Lord watch over and bless you all and may you have the peace and comfort that comes from the assurance that the Gospel is true and life is eternal.
Sincere condolences,
William R. Walker
What a wonderful lady & neighbor! We will miss her so much. May all her family find piece in knowing she is watching over each one of you and free of suffering.
Love,
Ray, Sherry, Tera & Amanda
Dearest Earl and Family,
We are forever grateful for the wonderful 14 months we were able to come to know and love both you and JoAnn as our next door neighbors. We were so sorry to learn of JoAnn's disease and the hardships that accompanied it. She will forever be a treasured friend - a person that we love and greatly admire. We know that she has taken her pure heart, her endless charity, and her vivacious commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ to the other side of the veil where she is now experiencing great peace, joy and sweet reunion with those who have welcomed her there. She will be greatly missed on this side of the veil but our separation will be but a small moment.