Carolyn Bell Pierce

Carolyn was born in Houston, Texas the only child of Myrtle White Bell and Alton Brooks Bell of Crowell, Texas. Carolyn grew up in Crowell amongst cousins and friends with whom she stayed close her entire life. Carolyn’s childhood included many trips to Houston where her mother’s family lived and additional dear aunts, uncles and cousins could be found.

Carolyn attended Baylor University where she was a member of Alpha Omega (AO), the first female social club at Baylor. AO later became a Pi Beta Phi chapter. Lovely both inside and out, Carolyn was a Baylor Beauty and represented Baylor as a Princess at the Cotton Bowl.

After graduating from Baylor, Carolyn taught elementary school in the Spring Branch school district of Houston. After three years of teaching she decided to pursue a master’s degree in social work. Prior to starting her course work she spent the summer traveling through Europe with a friend. This adventure sparked a life-long love of travel that she fostered in her children and later, her grandchildren.

Upon her return from Europe she spent a year in Baltimore, Maryland as a case aide at Johns Hopkins Hospital where, on a blind date, she met her future husband, George E. Pierce, M.D., a surgical resident. They spent the first two years of married life at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and then spent many years moving their growing family across the country as George pursued his training and career. They finally settled in Lake Quivira, Kansas, just outside of Kansas City which they teased was halfway between Wyoming (George’s home state) and Carolyn’s dear Texas. Here they raised their children and became involved in the community as members of the Gourmet Club, the Investment Club and the Garden Club. Carolyn was also very active in the University of Kansas Medical Auxiliary.

Carolyn and George enjoyed many ski trips together which spoke to George’s love of the sport. Carolyn showed great patience with toddlers learning to ski in boots that had laces and skis with old fashioned bindings that were difficult to work. She and George also enjoyed travel to Europe, Canada, Mexico and throughout the States. When Carolyn could no longer travel she loved to hear of her grandchildren’s travel adventures. Photos and long FaceTime chats allowed her to share in their experiences which delighted her.

Carolyn was passionate about childhood education and literacy and generously shared her love of reading with her children and grandchildren.

As their health declined, Carolyn and George moved to Austin, Texas to be close to their daughter and her family. Despite her own health challenges Carolyn took on the role of caregiver to George. She was his faithful and constant advocate and companion and likewise the love George felt for her was apparent to all.

Carolyn was devoted to her husband, her children and grandchildren. She was very close to her cousins and her many friends, each of whom brought her great joy. Carolyn will be remembered for her beautiful and gracious smile, caring and cheerful nature, wise counsel and a twinkle in her eye that hinted at her delightful sense of humor.

Predeceased by her husband of 58 years, George, Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Cathryn Lynn Pierce Pollinger; son, William Brooks Pierce; son-in-law, Steve Pollinger; daughter-in-law, Amy Pierce; two granddaughters, Jennifer and Alexandra; two grandsons, Benjamin and William and sister-in-law, Ruth Bramall.

A private family burial will take place on October 9th.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Carolyn to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts Designation: Children’s Cancer Hospital Fund/VDPED or the charity of one’s choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com for the Pierce family.