June Olive Pierson

June "Olive" Pierson was born May 9, 1938 in Ilford, Essex England. She was the middle child of Florence "Nellie" and George Palmer. As a young child the family moved to Clacton-on-sea where Olive lived until she married her husband, David, who was serving with the United States Air Force, on October 19, 1957. They began their adventure in Clacton before moving to Texas, back to England, South Dakota, and North Carolina before settling down in David's hometown of Greentop, Missouri.

Olive was preceded in death by her parents, George and Nellie Palmer; father and mother in law, Burr and Isabelle Pierson; and sister in law, Beryl Palmer. She is survived by her loving husband David, son Wayne Pierson of Kirksville, daughter Loraine (Don) Fowler of Queen City, and daughter Gale (Shawn) Robertson of Kirksville, five grandchildren; Nicholas and Tori Pierson, Gentry Fowler, and Mason and Gavin Robertson, one sister Eunice (Robert) Rakes, one brother Brian Palmer, three great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was a devoted housewife and mother who found great joy in raising her three children. A social butterfly, the tea kettle was always ready for friends and family. Everyone was welcomed with a cup of tea, as she never knew a stranger. She relished the title of Nana. As matriarch, she was known for her sharp whistle, used for both corralling her children and then her grandchildren and cheering them on in their school activities. Olive loved her family fiercely and will be dearly missed.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital and Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Playle Rimer Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 2100 E Shepherd Ave, Kirksville, MO 63501 (660)665-2233. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.playlerimermillard.com.