August 4, 2025, 97, Goldsboro —
Dorothy Mae Talton Pearce, formerly of Princeton, N.C., passed away on Monday, August, 4, 2025 at Magnolia Cottage Family Care, Dover, N.C. She was born on October 15, 1928, to the late Solomon Mac Talton and Mae Pierce Talton. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Arthur Pearce to whom she was married for 68 years, and brothers, Earl, Edward, Ralph, and Billy Talton.
She is survived by her beloved son, Alan Pearce and daughter in law, Susan Matthews Pearce of Ayden, N.C. and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of special friends.
Never one to sit still for very long, James Pearce and his number one travel companion, Dorothy, explored every highway and byway in North Carolina. When asked after James passed if she was bored sitting at home, she replied, “I’m content sitting here in my living room reading, watching TV, and doing my word searches; I have been ‘dragged’ down every road in the state of North Carolina, and I’m ready to rest!” Dorothy had a extensive travel record beyond the NC borders. She had an amazing number of “travel buddies” (teacher friends, church friends, and Eastern Star friends) who explored Europe, Hawaii (twice), and various locales in the United States. She would often proclaim that her favorite US destination was the beautiful state of Montana. Oh, the stories she would relate about her escapades both home and abroad!
Dorothy was a graduate of Princeton High School (class of 1950) and played on the high school basketball team coached by Dr. James Batten. As education became a focal point in her life, she continued her studies to become an LPN and worked in the Wayne Memorial Hospital emergency room which provided fodder for even more tales of adventure. Further studies took her to Atlantic Christian College for a B.S. degree in elementary education, East Carolina College for a Master’s degree in elementary education, and Appalachian State University for a degree in library science. She served her entire teaching career of 35 years at Pine Level Elementary School as a devoted educator to scores of young Johnston County minds. Everyone knew that if Mrs. Pearce “arched an eyebrow”, she meant business.
Dorothy’s interests beyond the classroom included many years of membership in the Order of the Eastern Star with chapters in Princeton, Smithfield, and Selma. Her tenure of service in this organization afforded her the opportunity to “give back” to her community and state. Camp Rainbow was always one of her favorite mountain trips to fellowship with other members of statewide chapters.
For the past 3 years, Dorothy had resided at a wonderful assisted living facility in Dover, NC—just outside of Kinston. She thrived magnificently there, and her last wish was to return to her Magnolia Cottage to spend her final days after a recent hospital stay. We would like to thank the following angels for the love and care that they showed toward my mother; April, Lidia, JoAnn, Shameka, Serena, Victoria, Emily, Millie, and Portia. They all loved their “Ms. Dorothy” and benefited greatly from her sense of humor, her endless gratitude for their excellent care, and her unending wisdom.
Dorothy was a lifelong member of Princeton Baptist Church and was a member of the Winsome Sunday School class. She loved her church and its congregation where she forged countless lifetime friendships.
Now, as our Savior would have it, “Ms. Dorothy” has a wonderful new body and will continue her voracious reading and word search puzzles in an environment of honor and glory. We will miss you endlessly, but we were honored to have you here with us for a great, long time. We are all better for having known and loved you.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 am to 12:00 on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Casey Funeral Home and Cremations. The funeral service will be held in the chapel of Casey Funeral Home and Cremations at 12:00 pm on August 8, 2025, with Pastor Thomas Collings and Reverend Al Hocutt officiating. The committal will be held immediately following the funeral at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 3888 US Hwy 70E, Princeton, N.C.
Although flowers are welcome, the family suggests contributions be made to Princeton Baptist Church, P O Box 215, Princeton, N.C. 27569, “Ramp Ministry”, or make checks to PALS (Princeton Area Library Supporters) P O Box 500, Princeton, N. C. 27569, In Memory of Dorothy Pearce.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
Casey Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to service the Pearce family.
