Lora Pearce

Lora Ann Pearce, Age 89, of Greenfield, Missouri passed away peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025, in the loving care of her children in Oxford, Mississippi.

Lora was born on August 15, 1936 in Sarcoxie, Missouri, the daughter of Floyd and Freda (Carter) Oliver. She was one of 11 children and lived a most remarkable life.

At the age of only seven years, on a cold, icy day, her mother slipped and drowned in a shallow creek while taking food to her sick grandparents. She and her five youngest remaining siblings were left orphans and sent to an Southern Christian Home in Morrilton, Arkansas where she lived until she graduated from high school. At the orphanage, Lora received not only an excellent education, but her salvation as she learned about the Bible and dedicated her life to Jesus Christ.

An unknown benefactor paid for Lora to attend Harding University where she graduated with honors. It was here she met her first husband with whom she had seven children.

In the year 1958, Lora moved to Glasgow, Scotland for four years where she helped to establish the city’s first Church of Christ.

In 1962, Lora and family returned to the United States and resided in Henderson, Tennessee for 16 years. Here she was an exemplary mother, wife, and an active member of the church and community. For two years, she opened her home and cared for a young lady in an iron lung so that she could attend college.  Her marriage ended, but she was loved and supported by an entire community.

In 1984, Lora was introduced by a mutual friend to Clarence Pearce of Greenfield, Missouri. They married a few months later, and Lora moved to Greenfield where she worked side by side with Clarence in their peach and apple orchards. She was a member of Bona Church of Christ and was often asked to speak to local women’s organizations about her extraordinary life.

Clarence and Lora were married for 24 years. Lora found a new life in Greenfield, and these were happy years for her as she built a new life with Clarence and his family.

Lora was a great cook and was well known for her perfect chicken and dumplings. As with her life, there was no recipe — she measured, poured, and rolled out random acts of love and kindness to all who were fortunate enough to share her table … and her life.

In 2014, Clarence passed away. In 2015, cancer claimed the life of her daughter, Amber, and in 2022, a tragic accident stole the life of her young grandson, Asa Grant Scovern. 

Remaining to cherish her memory, Lora leaves behind her six remaining children:  Jerry Dale Buckley, Phyllis “Leigh” Simpson, Cindy Ann Wuerdeman, Barry Glenn Buckley, Vicky Lou Spore and Amy Cheryl Grant. They share their grief with their spouses, Judy Buckley, John Wuerdeman, John Simpson, Keli Buckley, Jim Spore and Carey Grant.

She leaves behind many grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Chris and Kevin Buckley, Matthew, Paige and Lora Wuerdeman, Allison Eaton, Greg and Kaylon Buckley, Jennifer Buckley Cranford, Spencer and Connor Lyons, Portia Scovern, Haze Scovern, Victoria and Sophia Grant.  There are also several young great-grandchildren. 

Her extended Pearce family loved and cared for Lora as if she were their own:  Steve Pearce, Robyn Pearce, Parker Pearce, Presley Pearce, Joanna Pearce Carter, Brad Carter, Erin and Emily Carter.

She leaves three remaining siblings:  Loyce Greer, Dorothy Sleege and Nelson Oliver.

Graveside services were held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Bona Cemetery.  

Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com.  

Services were under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.