Margaret Helen Barnes Pierson

Margaret Helen Barnes Pierson entered into eternal rest on February 2, 2026, at the age of 98, 2 months shy of her 99th Birthday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph H. Pierson, Sr., one son, Robert W. Pierson (Bobby), one grandson, Kevin Wade Pierson, and son-in-law, Terry Cleland. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bert Barnes and Margaret Cowan Barnes, brothers, Arvel Barnes, Dwight Barnes and sisters, Verna Lou Barnes Wurster, Hazel Barnes Sampite, and Patsy Barnes Haley.

She is survived by daughters Ruth Pierson Cleland of Lake Charles and Susan Pierson Berndt and husband, Barry of Beaumont, TX. and daughter-in-law, Lynn Alost Pierson, of Missouri City, TX. She is also survived by her son, Joe H. Pierson, Jr, and wife, Pat of Natchitoches.

Left to cherish her memory are grandchildren, Alicia Pierson Fidanza and husband, John of Baton Rouge; Hunter Cleland of Lake Charles; Alanna (Kit) Cleland of Austin, TX.; Sherri Pierson Ebarb and husband, Daniel of Missouri City, TX; Brian Pierson and wife, Shanna, also of Missouri City, TX.; Tyler Berndt of Beaumont, TX. and Drew Berndt and wife, Leslie of Austin, TX.; Josh Pierson and fiance, Haley of Natchitoches.

Great grandchildren include Jax Cleland of Lake Charles, Anna Margaret Harris of Baton Rouge, Will Harris of Ruston; Kate Pierson, Malachi Pierson, Levi Pierson and Whitney Ebarb, all of Missouri City, TX.; Calan and Camille Pierson, of Van Alystne, TX. Step great-grandchildren include Nicole Fidanza of Lexington, KY; John Fidanza IV of Jupiter, FL; Anna Maria Fidanza of Las Cruces, NM; and Anthony Fidanza of Zachary.

Known by her friends as "Margie", she was born on Belina Plantation during the Great Mississippi River flood of 1927. She shared wonderful memories of growing up on a farm. She graduated from Ferriday High School as an honor student and later from Northwestern State College with a teaching degree in Business Education. It was there that she met Joe, the love of her life and they eloped on May 1, 1948, and began what turned into 65 years of marriage.

Margie was a wonderful cook and she and Joe loved to entertain family & friends. Their home was always a warm & welcoming place, and she NEVER let anyone leave her house hungry! She was also a gifted florist and taught classes in flower arranging in her home. She was an active member of St. Denis Garden Club for many years. In her church, First United Methodist, she provided altar flowers for 50+ years as her ministry and loved doing it. She would say a prayer before beginning each arrangement. She was a 50-year Golden Girl for PEO, Chapter AU, sustainer and past president of Service League, member of the Fisherwomen Sunday School Class, Thursday morning prayer group and was a member of several Bridge groups.

Margie and Joe received several joint honors, including being named Lay Persons of the Year for FUMC and were named Natchitoches Treasures in 2009. The courtyard garden in the center of the Nakatosh Condominiums was named " Margie's Garden" in her honor in 2015.

Margie loved her family fiercely and was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Hers was a long life, VERY well-lived and she is now walking "In the Garden" with Jesus. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, but we know we will see her again in Heaven.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Jack Fair and his staff, Hospice of Natchitoches, and to caregivers Cheryl Dixon, Carolyn Mitchell, Sandra McClinton, and Susie Sarpy for their devoted care and concern for our mother.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church on Monday, February 9, 2026, in the sanctuary with visitation from 9-11 am and the service will be held at 11 am. Pallbearers for the service will be: Tyler Berndt, Drew Berndt, Hunter Cleland, Brian Pierson, Josh Pierson, and Will Harris.

Interment will follow in Memory Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Margie’s beloved First United Methodist Church, Natchitoches or to The Joe & Margaret Pierson Family Scholarship at Northwestern State University in c/o NSU Foundation, Natchitoches, LA 71497.