CYNTHIA E. PIERCE
Died Jan.15, 2007
WINTERVILLE -- Cynthia "Eldean" Pierce, 59, died peacefully at home on Monday, January 15, 2007.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Wilker-son Funeral Chapel.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home and at other times at the home.
Eldean, a native of Johnston County, lived her early life in the Rosewood community. In 1971 she made her home in Greenville. She was a vital and beloved member of the ECU School of Nursing faculty for 30 years and worked in the supplemental nursing pool at PCMH for 30 years. She earned a diploma in nursing from Watts Hospital School of Nursing and her BSN, MS and MSN from East Carolina University School of Nursing. She also received a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post-master's certificate from ECU and in recent years had been practicing part-time as an FNP at Greenville Family Doctors.
During her 30 years at the University, Eldean taught in the Adult Health Nursing Department where she was particularly accomplished in teaching principles of coronary care and guiding students in learning comprehensive nursing care for adults. She excelled as a master teacher who was sought out by students, faculty and practicing nurses for her knowledge and expertise. She received the ECU Alumni Association Teaching Excellence Award for the 1991-1992 academic year. She was known by students as always having time for "one more question" and going the extra mile to be certain her students received the clinical experiences they needed. She was an outstanding advisor and was the recipient of several advising and teaching awards. She was named Nurse Educator of the Year by North Carolina Nurses Association and an Outstanding Mentor by Beta Nu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. There is no doubt that the effect of her successful teaching is being felt every day through the work of her past students.
Her career has included the highest loyalty and devotion to the mission of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing. She served in multiple roles at the local, regional, national and international levels. For years, she and her husband Hal always made Beta Nu events something special by hosting at their home, a reception honoring speakers and special guests who, on occasion, became overnight guests as well. She mentored many Beta Nu members in Sigma Theta Tau service activities.
Eldean served capably on several School and University Committees. Of particular note were her accomplishments and dedication to the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi honor society chapter at ECU. Her commitment, loyalty and leadership in the School of Nursing Alumni Association was also remarkable. She was present for all alumni functions and homecoming celebrations, along with her husband Hal. Eldean conducted many continuing education offerings throughout eastern NC as well.
Eldean was preceded in death by her mother, Lucille Rhodes, in 2003.
She is survived by husband of 39 years, Hal Pierce; father, Ira Rhodes of Princeton, NC; sister, Nova Rhodes of Rosewood, NC and Rebecca West and husband, Rudy, of Fremont, NC; brother, Danny Rhodes, Jr. of Princeton, NC; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Helen Pierce of Princeton, NC; brother-in-law, Danny Pierce and wife, Sheree, of Princeton, NC; and several nieces and nephews. She had a special love for her dogs, Max and Cody.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the ECU Medical Foundation, 525 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834. Please put Hal and Eldean Pierce Scholarship Fund in the memo line.
(Written & Paid by the Family)
Published in Obituaries on January 16, 2007 2:15 PM