Phyllis Jean Pierce

May 31, 1941 - December 14, 2021

Phyllis Jean Pierce, age 80, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at her residence in Knoxville. Phyllis’ wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the New Covenant Church in Knoxville at 11:00 A.M. A luncheon will follow at the church. A private family burial will take place at Kent Cemetery in rural Brooklyn, Iowa. Phyllis was born on May 31, 1941, the daughter of Earl and Gladys (Temple) Cook. Following high school, Phyllis obtained an associate degree in Accounting. Phyllis was united in marriage to Lee Rodger Pierce on December 14, 1957. Phyllis and Lee were blessed with four children, Denise, Barbara, Catherine, and Neva. Phyllis worked as an accountant at Principal Financial Services for most of her career. She loved puzzles, reading, playing cribbage, and especially her family and animals. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Denise (Pastor Stephen) Larson, Sr. of Centerville, Barbara Pierce of Knoxville, Cathy (Tom) Anthony of Pasadena, TX, and Neva (Travis) Cornelius of Austin, TX; one sister, Denise Shannon of Spencer; one brother, Ronnie (Pam) Merriweather of Oskaloosa; three sisters-in-law, Cheryl Merriweather of Arizona, Janice Cook of Monroe, and Jeanie Pierce of Norwalk; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter on the way. Phyllis is preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Gladys and Pete Merriweather; father, Earl Cook; loving husband, Lee Pierce; three brothers, Clarence Cook, Dean Cook, and Robert Merriweather; one sister, Lois Koonce; and two grandchildren, Theresa Jean Pierce and David Austin Pierce. Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville is assisting the family with arrangements.