Caroline Linkins Pierce

Caroline Linkin Pierce, 94, of Arlington Virginia, returned to her heavenly home on March 15th 2019 in the family home she loved so much, surrounded by her loved ones. Her devotion to her family and in God gave her great pleasure during her time here on earth. She was as feisty as she was gentle. She embraced her life fully and joyfully as she attracted people from every country and walk of life.

Caroline was born September 30th, 1924 in Tampa, Florida to the late Edward F. and Caroline H.R. Linkins. She attended many school throughout the country starting in Tennessee, Georgia, and graduating from McKinley High School in Washington, DC. She was immersed into the Christian Community giving back at the Palisade Community Church from an early age supporting her husband’s father, Reverend Pierce and programs like Meals on Wheels, Church Bizarres, holding Bible school, Ham & Oyster and School Men’s dinners, plays, decorating the alter, washing the dishes, and in roles like the money counter, serving as the president of the New Idea Society and on the Social Committee with Mrs. Cozi, Cora Jones and many others. People flocked to work alongside her and to attend her events, like Thanksgiving or coffee hour in the church reception area. She even volunteered at the Arlington House in the Lee mansion. She threw herself into volunteer work, helping wherever she could until she lost her sight later in life.

Caroline enjoyed attending University of Alabama and in search of adventure accepted a position at the War Department Corp of Engineers, proceeded by Garfinkel’s Department Store, the largest and most prestigious department store in Washington D.C at the time however she was a volunteer and collaborator at heart. So she became a Cub and Girl Scout leader, volunteering throughout her life, even at the White House until she began working with the White House Historical Association until she retired. There she put her many servant minded talents to work working with memorable people like President Carters Aunt Sissy and supported many magical events at the White House where she enjoyed such tasks as tying ribbons around napkins for State Dinners and POW dinners for Mrs. Ford, making needle point ornaments for White House Christmas Tree for Barbara Bush, cutting black and white checker material for Congressional BBQs, working beside her daughter Sharon at bi-centennial fireworks- among other events, helping decorate Christmas trees in the White House’s historic blue room, enjoyed many fire work displays, holiday parties and Easter egg rolls and other memorable events with the family on the White House grounds throughout spanning from President Kennedy through the President Clinton.

Carolyn was soft-spoken, warm hearted and creatively crafty. She found her joy in using her hands. She made everything from finger salads to crocheted quilts to cakes that looked like they came straight from the pages of a magazine. She was never stingy with her gift, always making time to teach you something crafty. She had an unmatched ability to inspire you to try something new or make something that would make someone smile.

Caroline was blessed with a large and loving family. She met and married her best friend, sweetheart and love of her life, Nelson Cole Pierce Jr. on June 2, 1948 at the Mt Vernon Methodist church in DC. After returning from the service Nelson was performing in a play at the Mt Vernon Methodist church, where Caroline was helping out with makeup. One lipstick correction later they began dating and they were later married in the church were they meet. Their wedding was well attended to include Fellix Frankfurter, the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the US, nominated by Franklin Roosevelt. As ambitious as she was she didn’t mind supporting others like her husband of 70 years, in his work as an usher in the White House from President Kennedy to President Reagan. Their work ethic and love motivated many careers, passions and marriages, including her granddaughter Shawna, who also works for the government and got married to Lorenzo Walker on the eve of their 50th anniversary party. She is survived by her four children Nelson "Butch" and wife Barbara, Kenneth "Kep", Sharon and Laurie and husband Norval, 13 grandchildren (Wendy and husband John Law, Carl and wife Doris Pierce, Shannon, Shawna and Lorenzo Walker, Chad and Nicole Pierce, Chris Pierce and Angel Crosstimi, Tina Pierce and boyfriend Jeremy), 18 great-grandchildren (Debbie and husband Brad Wilson, John Thomas, Casey Kyle, Erin Kyle, Colin Pierce, Lorenzo T Walker Jr, Isaiah Pinson, Brandy Walker, Emily Wright, Jalen Walker, Christopher Varnau Jr. ,Taylor Varnau, Waylon Varnau, Jaxson Pickering, Myles Pickering, Caleb Pierce, Haley Pierce, 4 great-great-grandchildren (Layla Wilson, Savannah Kyle, Ana’lysse Kyle, Isaiah Wright) and a record number of other devoted, extended family and friends.

She was very much loved by all and in crazy times we all knew nothing else needed to be said when she would raise an eyebrow, especially in her home in Arlington. Where she shared her home with countless, welcome visitors, family members and friends from around the country and world. Every summer the porch window boxes were filled with flowers and every season hung a new celebratory flag full of good tidings. Her porch stayed as vibrant as her personality with ferns, flowering hanging plants and hydrangeas. The fourth of July Patriotic bash and Halloween had an annual draw to the Pierces residence. Where you would be greeted at the door by costumes, crazy socks and candy or whichever cat, dog, canary or hamster that was brought in by the family that year. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Nelson Pierce, her parents and grandson Casey Kyle. She rocked our world in life “as she always said getting old isn’t for sissies.” No one will ever be able to fill her size 5 ½ shoes.

A visitation/wake will be held at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042 on Wednesday, March 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. Caroline will be buried in a graveside service at the National Memorial Park in Falls Church Virginia on, Thursday, March 21, at 10 a.m. with a Church Service and reception to follow at Palisades Community Church, 5200 Cathedral Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, at 12 noon. Reverend Elizabeth Hagen and Associate Minister Beth McKinney will officiate the service. The family gratefully is accepting prayers, condolences and donations to her favorite reception society at the Palisades Community Church. Memories are also gladly accepted so please leave a picture or memory online at www.nationalfh-mp.com.