Merline Pierce, 88, of San Angelo, formerly of Big Spring, died Thursday, February 20, 2014 in a San Angelo hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel in Big Spring with Rev. Joey Bacon, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring.She was born November 22, 1925 in Morrison, Oklahoma. She married John Dudley Beal and he preceded her in death. She then married Leland Pierce April 27, 1973 in Ackerly, Texas.Merline graduated from Big Spring High School and Texas Wesleyan College. She moved to Midland and worked for Schlumberger before moving to Ackerly where she lived and worked for many years. In 1973 she moved to Big Spring where she was employed by Cabot Corporation until her retirment. She and Leland owned and operated Lee's Rental from 1969 to 2005. She enjoyed going to their ranch near Colorado City and loved being with her family and friends.She was a member of First Baptist Church, loved her church family and enjoyed singing in the choir.Survivors include her husband, Leland Pierce of San Angelo; a son, John Merwin Beal of Kingsland; a daughter, Brenda Ireland and husband, Dale of Irving; a step-son, Lanny Pierce and Kimberly Holcomb of San Angelo; two step-daughters, Debbie Read and husband, Jerry of Big Spring and Ginger Forbes of San Antonio; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.She was also preceded in death by her father, Merlin Merwin; her mother, Juanita Wyatt Grigsby; her step-father, Cuin Grigsby; and two brothers, Cuin Grigsby, Jr. and Welsey Grigsby. Pallbearers will be Cory Beal, Jerry Read, Nick Read, Logan Pierce, Austin Pierce and Dalton Holcomb. The family suggests memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com,
