Dorothy Jean Pearce,87, of Meridian, formerly of Emmett, passed away peacefully in her home on June 5, 2024 at the age of 87.
Dorothy was born in Haxtun, CO to Paul and Rowena Bright on June 22, 1936. She lived in Holyoke, CO until age 4 when the Bright family moved to Fruitland, Idaho. In 1950, Dorothy moved to Emmett, ID where she graduated Emmett High School in 1954.
After high school she worked in orchards, fruit packing, and at F.H. Hogue, where she met her future husband, Chuck Pearce. Shortly afterwards, Chuck and Dorothy were married in 1955. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage.
Dorothy was employed for 8 years at Shamrock Market where she met her life-long friend Cheryl (Elsberry) Kerr. In 1965, Dorothy attended the Lady of Catherine’s School of Cosmetology and opened a salon out of their home on Idaho Blvd. During this time, Dorothy and Chuck adopted Mitch and Brent. Dorothy dedicated her life to raising her boys, who both could get in a lot of mischief at times while growing up.
Later, she attended Beauty School where she obtained her instructors license and then co-owned D&D Beauty Salon with her sister Donna Church for 7 years. After selling the salon, she continued to do hair for friends and family. She was a chiropractic assistant for Dr. Downey for 8 years and worked as a secretary at the First Baptist Church for 17 years. Dorothy also proudly served on the Diaconate Board for over 36 years! Dorothy’s other loves besides friends, family and church included oil painting, sewing, camping, and cooking – especially fried chicken and pies.
In 2007, Dorothy lost kidney function after an unrelated surgery resulting in 17 years of dialysis. She always maintained the most positive attitude and outlook in life and was considered a “miracle patient” at the dialysis clinic. She is the epitome of what love and positivity can do!
Dorothy’s memory will be cherished by her two sons, Mitch (Dawn) Pearce and Brent (Carol) Pearce; grandchildren: Chris, Laura, Camron, Breanna, Rachel, Sarah, four great grandchildren, and brother Roland (Barbara) Bright. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Charles, parents: Paul and Rowena Bright, and siblings: Don Bright, Hessel Horn, Lon Bright, Delvin Bright, Donna Church, and Helen Scott. Dorothy loved all of her nieces and nephews and wanted them all to know they had a special place in her heart.
A memorial service and life celebration will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at the First Baptist Church, 126 S Hayes Ave, Emmett, ID at 1:00pm with a dessert following. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Emmett First Baptist Church in Dorothy’s memory.