Marian Evelyn Pierson

Marian Evelyn Pierson, of Gautier, MS, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 5, 2023.  Marian was born on August 6, 1923 in Alexandria, VA. to Irvin James Ketland and Willie Catherine Ross Ketland. She graduated from George Washington High School  in Alexandria and attended Strayer School of Business in Washington, DC. In 1947, she married Don Earl Pierson, a U.S. Army officer, and lived in a number of different places in the United States and western Europe throughout her life.

Marian believed in giving of her time and her talent. She was a lifelong volunteer working in the neo-natal intensive care unit at the hospital at Patrick Air Force Base, FL, managing the church nurseries in a number of towns where she lived and also serving as a Boy Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader while her children were growing up.  She was also a member of the Martha Washington Chapter #42 of the Order of the Eastern Star in Alexandria, VA and the Civitans and Rotary Clubs in Gautier, MS.

Marian loved sports and gardening, but her real passion music. She sang in numerous church choirs, the most recent being the United Methodist Church in Gautier, MS, where she also served as president of the United Methodist Women’s organization.

Her life was focused on her family and friends, and the community she lived in. She had a strong faith and taught her children by example during a lifetime of giving and affection. She was preceded in death by her parents; Irvin and Willie Ketland, her husband Don Pierson, and her grandson, Zachary Pierson.  

Marian is survived by her four children and their spouses; Nancy Gulczynski (Chet),  Jim Pierson (Deirdre), Lee Pierson (Bambi) and Linda Strunk (Shawn); four loving grandchildren, Ian, Tyler, Kristy and Kelly; six great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Valerie, Charlotte, Ashlynn, Aralin and Jennie.

Visitation for Mrs. Pierson will be Friday, January 13, 2023 at Gautier O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home from 12:00-1:00pm. The Funeral Service will follow in the chapel at 1:00 with Pastor M.J. Kirby officiating. She will be inurned at a later date with her husband at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Alexandria, VA.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made in her honor to The Pie Ladies at the United Methodist Church in Gautier, MS or the Jackson County Animal Shelter in Gautier, MS. The family would  like to thank Deaconess Hospice and her special caregiver that gave loving and compassionate care to our Mom and Grandma during the last months of her life. We would also like to thank O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home for taking care of the details of Mom's final wishes. Condolences may be expressed online at www.obryantokeefe.com

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