M. Eileen Pierson

Mildred "Eileen" Pierson, age 99, of Hastings, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2022.

Eileen was born on April 13, 1922, in Carlton Township, Michigan, the daughter of Lewis and Edna Daniels.  She was their oldest child and last surviving sibling.

Eileen was a 1940 graduate of Hastings High School.  She worked for both Webberville and Hastings School Districts as a bus driver; and then for Michigan Millers Insurance Company, Lansing, and Hastings Mutual Insurance Company; as a receptionist for Dr. Castleman's office; and also worked at Sister's Fabrics in Hastings.  On January 10, 1942, Eileen married Glendon Pierson, and they enjoyed 69 years together until his passing.

Eileen attended Hope United Methodist Church.  The most important event of Eileen's life was the day she accepted Jesus as her Savior, as a young child.  She grasped the meaning of Christianity that stayed with her all her life.  She was concerned that her family would all know God's saving grace.  Always a witness, showing kindness and care, she would often stop and chat with strangers and leave them with a "God Bless You."

Her prayers were sweet and spirit-filled.  She loved to read her Bible as it sustained her throughout her whole life.  She also loved the word search books and that helped keep her mind sharp through her dementia.

Eileen was a loyal Republican and loved to debate issues with anyone who would.

Eileen was a dedicated wife and mother, always seeing to her household.  She was an excellent cook.  Some liked her oatmeal cookies; some liked her pies or coleslaw; or just to set down to one of her meals.  One thing that mom loved was ice cream, and she would scoop out just a half cup and savor that before bedtime.

Eileen was a talented artist of oils and enjoyed taking numerous oil painting classes or workshops through her adult life.  In 2002, when she was 80 years old, she rode Amtrak with her paints and canvas, out to the Nebraska State 4H Camp to an art conference.  All of the family enjoys her pictures, painted just for them.

Eileen was a football, wrestling, basketball, and track mother and grandmother, following where the events took place.  She loved sports and often would watch events on TV.  As her hearing worsened, she could watch and see what was going on without having to hear words.  She even liked NASCAR!

Eileen loved to sew all her life.  In her younger days, she taught sewing in 4H.  She sewed dresses for Marquita and many dresses for herself and her granddaughters.  Eileen made and decorated beautiful birthday and wedding cakes throughout the years for her family.

And, I guess, Eileen had to have one major flaw.  She had absolutely no concept of time.  She was always late!  But on February 3, God's timing gave her timing, a right on time, Heaven Bound trip.

Quite often, she would quote this from 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 " ⁹ …Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. ¹⁰ But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:…"

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, husband Glendon, brothers Arnold (Beverly) Daniels, Galen (Wilma) Daniels, sisters Kathleen (Miles) Waters, Maxine (Bill) Dipp, sisters-in-law Lillian (George) Wilkinson, Laura (Frank) Nordman, and 6 great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter Marquita (Ron) Landon of Freeport, sons Marshall (Laura) Pierson of Hastings, Paul (Chris) Pierson of Freeport, Steve (Debbie) Pierson of Marshall, Michael (Lois) Pierson of Hastings, Fred (Teri) Pierson of Hastings, 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Eileen can be made to the Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, or Hope United Methodist Church, 2920 M-37, Hastings, MI 49058.

Due to COVID-19, a private family service and burial is being held with a public service at a later date.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .