July 26, 1931 – February 22, 2024
MANTEO — Katharine Wiley Pearce of Manteo, NC, passed away on February 22, 2024, at the age of 92. She was born on July 26, 1931, in Shawsville, MD, to the late Eva Schurr Wiley and Harold Nelson Wiley.
The youngest of three girls living on a 120-acre dairy farm, Katharine enjoyed doing what most people would assume the family’s sons would do – milking cows, baling hay, driving tractors, etc.
Katharine accomplished many things throughout her life. She graduated from Jarrettsville High School in 1948 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Western Maryland College in 1952. She dedicated her career to helping others, working for the Department of Social Services in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Katharine’s devotion to her family led her to take a 16-year break from her professional pursuits to stay home and raise her sons.
Katharine resided in Baltimore, MD, for most of her life until 1992 when she made the beautiful coastal town of Manteo, NC, her home.
Throughout her life, she was an active member of various organizations, including the Junior Women’s Club of Towson, the Red Hat Society, and Teacup Quilters, and she also volunteered for Hotline. These commitments further exemplified her caring and compassionate nature.
In addition to her parents, Katharine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas T. G. Pearce, and her sisters, Elizabeth “Lib” Creswell and her twin, Helen Millar, whom Katharine loved to tell all was older by 2 minutes. Also preceding Katharine was her cousin and childhood best friend, Charles F. Wiley.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted sons, Stephen T. Pearce and spouse Karen of Nags Head, NC, and Charles G. Pearce, Sr. and spouse Terry of Parkville, MD. Katharine’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Charles G. Pearce, Jr., Sean Young and spouse Sylvia, and Kristin Carson and spouse Jay, as well as her great-grandchild, Presley Carson.
A service to celebrate Katharine’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Twiford Colony Chapel in Manteo. The family will hold a private burial service in Parkwood Cemetery in Baltimore, MD, to honor Katharine’s life and say their final goodbyes.
The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Albemarle Hospice and Visiting Angels. They would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Barbara Holton for her immense dedication and compassion during this difficult time.
Katharine Wiley Pearce will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and community. Her dedication and warmth touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact. May her soul find eternal peace.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
