Kathy Ann (Woodruff) Pearce of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the age of 71. She was born July 13, 1952, in Newport, the daughter of Aden Larmon and Wilma Evelyn (Roden) Woodruff.
After graduating from Newport High School in the spring of 1970, she attended Arkansas State University and earned a BSE in Elementary Education. On June 3, 1972, Kathy Woodruff married Michael Pearce, and they made their home in Newport. They raised their children there and became active members of the community.
Mrs. Pearce began her career as an Elementary school teacher at Grubbs. After six years, she moved to the Newport School District, where she spent the next 30 years before retiring in 2011.
Mrs. Pearce was an active member of the Newport First Baptist Church. During her time as a member, she enjoyed teaching Sunday school, Discipleship Training, and Vacation Bible School. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed birdwatching, playing tennis and softball and was a huge Newport Greyhound and Arkansas Razorback fan. But her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She especially loved watching and attending any activity her children or grandchildren participated in. Mrs. Pearce was preceded in death by her parents; and one niece, Stacey Woodruff Ford.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Michael Pearce of the home; one son, Kevin Pearce and wife, Shannon of Jonesboro; one daughter, Lori Pearce Harms and husband, Shaun of North Little Rock; one brother, Larmon “Woodie” Woodruff of Grubbs; six grandchildren, Kathryn Macayle Pearce, James Michael Harms, Braylyn Grace Harms, Briley Ann Harms, Charley Evelyn Pearce, and Annabeth Rose Pearce; one nephew, Kevin Easter; many great-nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home, on Sunday, February 11, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Funeral services are at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 12, at Newport First Baptist Church, with interment following at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be past and present faculty and staff of the Newport School District.
