Betty Jane Hart Pierce

March 16, 1926 - August 26, 2020

Betty Hart Pierce passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on August 26, 2020 in Bristol, Virginia. Betty was born in Shelbyville, Tennessee on March 16, 1926 to Bob and Bettie Mae Hart. She played basketball at Middle Tennessee State University. She also earned her pilot’s license. After college, she moved to Bristol, Tennessee where she began her career as a high school and middle school physical education teacher. She loved playing games and cards with friends and family. She also enjoyed bowling, cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, and traveling. In her lifetime, she visited 49 out of 50 states. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bob Sims Hart and Bettie Mae Hart, and her siblings, Mitchell Hart Hill, Guy Hart, and Phillip Hart. She is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law: Nancy Pierce Rich (Eddie Rich) of Knoxville, TN, Terri Pierce Spahr (Harvey Spahr) of Christiansburg, VA and Vicki Pierce Turner (John Turner) of Acworth, GA. Betty is also survived by six wonderful grandchildren and one great grandchild who she loved dearly, Brad Rich (Rebecca and baby Chase) of Tampa, FL, Katy Rich of St. Petersburg, FL, Tyler Spahr (fiancée Brittany) of Christiansburg, VA, Hunter Spahr of Christiansburg, VA, Allison Turner Shaffer (Mitch) of Sandy Springs, GA and Kevin Turner of Alpharetta, GA. The family is very grateful for two special friends, Rose Harrison and Lannette Kaylor, for the love and support they showed Betty during her later years. A graveside service will be held in her hometown of Shelbyville, Tennessee on Saturday, August 29 at 1:00 Central Time at Willow Mount Cemetery. The address is 321 Dover Street Shelbyville, Tennessee 37160. Condolences may be sent to the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN (423) 989-4800 is serving the Pierce family.