Alice Deborah Pierce's Obituary
Alice Deborah Pierce nee Carney, better known as Debbie peacefully passed away at home with her Family. Debbie had been ill for a very long time, passing with dignity and grace in the early morning hours on Thursday April 14, 2011. God called her name Debbie and Jesus spoke "come unto me and I will give you rest". Debbie was a lifetime resident of the Bridgeton area. She was born Sept. 27, 1952, the daughter of Ernie and Jane Carney, and as a child grew up in the Springtown-Greenwich area.
Debbie was a devoted wife to Alfred, the love of her life; mother, Mom-Mom, sister, daughter and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory - husband Alfred, daughter Deanna and spouse Roberta Selleck-Pierce of PA, son Brad and spouse Sandy Pierce of NJ, grandchildren Jordyn, Jacob and Ava, her dad Woody Harris, a sister Linda White & Family, a brother Chris Harris & Family and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by parents Ernie and Jane Carney-Harris.
This is not just an obituary, but rather the incredible story of Debbie's life...
Debbie was employed at Bridgeton Hospital, now known as South Jersey Healthcare, for 40 years, retiring April 1, 2010. She started her career in the Radiology department as X-ray Technologist; she went on to become an Ultrasound Sonographer. As one of the best Sonographers in the area, Debbie played a major role in the development of the Ultrasound department at South Jersey Healthcare.
Debbie personified the Jesus centered Christian life. Not by talk only, but by living it, and to coin the phrase: her life "was the only Bible that some read". As an Elder of Glory Tabernacle Church, she was an active member at all levels of the church until disabled by her illness. Debbie taught the gospel in her prison ministry at the Cumberland County Jail where she was known as the "Church Lady" to the women. Prior to her membership at Glory Tabernacle, Debbie was an active member of St. John United Methodist Church, where she played an active role in the choir and youth group, and held positions at the district level for the United Methodist Women. She spear headed a local street ministry not only feeding the spirit with the Word of God, but physically taking food to nourish their physical body too. Debbie also volunteered at CornerStone Pregnancy, performing ultrasounds and counseling women in need. She was an active member of the Lenni Lenape American Indian Tribe and she received the distinguished Bridgeton Jaycee Outstanding Young Woman Award in 1999. She was very creative, loved being a Mom-Mom, which was one of the pinnacles of her life, enjoyed cruises, and spending time walking on the beach.
Debbie's life was an inspiration to all who had the opportunity to have crossed her path, whether a brief moment or life long experience. God sent her to us as a messenger of faith, hope, love, peace and joy... Debbie will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
What’s your fondest memory of Alice?
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