Joan Gorman Pierce, 87, of Lakeland passed on January 12, 2024 at her daughter's home. She was born in Lakeland on December 1, 1936 to Edward and Muriel Gorman and remained a lifelong Lakeland resident.

Joan was a lifelong member and parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. She spent her career as an educator, molding young minds of Lakeland and preparing them for life. Adding to her gift of education and mentorship, she also served as a Girl Scout leader and a founding member of A.A.S. She enjoyed reading, gardening, puzzles, family traditions and encouraging her family to do their best.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Jerry and Eddie Gorman, and her sister, Pat Gorman as well as her husband, Jerry Dean Pierce. Loving survivors include her sister, Gigi Mora, her daughters Monica Cline (Raymond), Kelly Rogers (Stuart), Rebecca Coarsey (Mark), Geraldine Bryant (Robert), Elizabeth Palmer (Tom), Clair Tuckey (Jeff) and her 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

A mass, to honor Joan's life, will take place at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 30th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lakeland. She will later be interred at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL., with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Joan, please make donations to Good Shepherd Hospice or the Talbot House Ministries.