Born to Charles and Mary Alley, Lois received her degree in music education from the University of Chattanooga. She was an accomplished musician and educator and spent the first half of her life busily teaching strings in the Chattanooga public school system and playing viola with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Orchestra. There she made lasting friendships, especially Tom Wolfe and Bonnie Bryant, and is remembered for not only for her talent but also for her sense of humor.
To everyone’s surprise, in midlife, Lois literally bumped into a widower in the UTC library stacks, a chance encounter that resulted in a whirlwind romance and 36 year marriage to G. B. (Burt) Pierce. Together they delighted in adopting and loving many unwanted dogs over the years as they built a life together.
After leaving teaching and performing, Lois stayed busy with many interests, including hosting family dinners (dogs included), taking art classes, attending school events for the grandchildren and teaching English to local refugees from Cuba. Lois was an avid reader and lifelong learner.
She was a longtime member of Northside Presbyterian Church.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her sister, Betty and her stepdaughter, Susan Pierce.
She is survived by her stepchildren, David Pierce, Ellyn and Ken Bivin, Lindy and Don Oakes, Leslie and Roy Morris, Jr. and several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren and personal friend, W. Fred Dixon.
A Memorial celebration for Lois will be held at a later date. To honor Lois’ memory, please consider making a contribution to the Chattanooga Humane Society, the Chattanooga Youth Symphony or by attending a symphony performance of your choice.
Thanks to the staff at The Canopy at Boynton Ridge for the wonderful care Lois received there.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
