Norma Pearce

Front Royal, VA Norma Merrill Pearce, 87, died September 5, 2012 at The Southerlands in Front Royal, VA. Mrs. Pearce was born in Asheville on August 26, 1925 to the late Robert Rankin and Lucy Craig Merrill. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, Edward Gash Pearce; sister, Betty Merrill McGee; and brother, Frank Merrill, all of Asheville. Mrs. Pearce returned to Asheville in 1974 after retiring from the Washington, DC Department of Public Health, where she served as an occupational therapy aide. She spent her retirement years enjoying her hobbies of flower gardening, cooking, and renovating the Gash family farm house in Azalea. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church as well as an auxiliary member of the local Prisoners of War Organization. She is survived by her son, Roger Pearce, and companion Gail Traylor of Winchester, VA; daughter, Betsy Good, and husband Phil of Middletown, VA; two grandchildren: Kerry Good and Jacob Good of Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Nancy McGee of Asheville. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 29, 2012, in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, conducted by James Winfree. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.