Louise Pierce Lloyd

Louise Pierce Lloyd, 96, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on October 20, 2026, surrounded by love. She was born on October 11, 1930, in Virginia, to George Pierce and Veora Hankins Pierce.

Louise learned the value of hard work early, working in the tobacco fields of Southside Virginia before she was even old enough for school. She went on to graduate from Kenbridge High School, where she excelled in her studies and was an active member of the 4-H Club. From a young age, she held a deep love for God's beautiful world and found joy in the wonders of nature.

After high school, Louise earned her degree in dental assisting and built a career she loved. She worked in several dental practices and served for a time at the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, supervising dental assistants in training. A dedicated member of the Dental Assistants Association, she rose through its ranks and served as its president.

It was in the dentist's chair that Louise met the love of her life. Thomas Franklin “Tom” Lloyd came in for a cleaning, and the rest, as they say, was history. The two were married in 1957 in a simple ceremony at First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, shortly before Tom was drafted and sent to serve in Panama. Upon his return, they made their home in Richmond and later settled in Hanover County. In their later years, Louise and Tom lived with their daughter Anna and son-in-law Parish in Chester, Virginia.

Later in life, God called Louise to serve as a facilities manager at the International Mission Board, where she worked until her retirement. She was a friend to all there, and her light and love reached far beyond her daily duties as she supported her coworkers and the families preparing to become missionaries.

Louise will be remembered above all for her boundless, unconditional love for others. Her home was always open, and she showed her love through warm hospitality and good home-cooked meals shared around her table. She was always the first to celebrate every accomplishment and milestone, big or small, making sure everyone around her felt seen and loved. She was her children's and grandchildren's biggest cheerleader, faithfully attending their games and activities and traveling wherever she needed to go to watch them shine in their sports, hobbies, and talents.

Her love of God's creation stayed with her throughout her life. She delighted in her garden, tending it lovingly for as long as she was able. Louise especially loved rocks and the beauty of nature, often finding and collecting special stones and turning them into treasured memories. She taught her daughter Anna how to find heart rocks, a gift of wonder that will be cherished for generations to come.

A woman of steadfast faith, Louise was a devoted member of her church throughout her life and treasured her final years worshiping at Ironbridge Church in Chester, Virginia. She had a gentle way of sharing her faith and wisdom that left everyone feeling heard and loved. She kept a journal and faithfully lifted up everyone she knew in prayer. One of her favorite verses was Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” and she wanted everyone to know that they are created by God and deeply loved by Him.

Louise was also a leader in her community, generously volunteering her time and supporting causes that gave back in meaningful ways. She had a rare gift for shining the light on others, always encouraging those around her to chase their dreams and become their best selves.

From her bedside, Louise shared a final wish with her family, one she passionately wanted carried forward after she was gone: love each other, take care of each other, take care of the babies, and remember that life is good.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Tom, who passed in 2020; her sons, Mark Ray and Tommy; and her siblings, Adell, Mary, Eugene, and Shirley. She is survived by her children, Harvey, Franklin, and Anna, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was blessed to meet her great-great-grandchild before her transition to her forever home.

Service Details

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Visitation: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Celebration of Life: 1:00 p.m.

Ironbridge Church

10900 Iron Bridge Road

Chester, VA 23831

Memorial contributions may be made by check to Ironbridge Church at the address above. Please write Missions in the memo line to honor Louise's work with the International Mission Board.

To honor Louise's love for children and for helping those in need, gifts may also be made to the church's “Above and Beyond” campaign, which supports the school the church is building, or to its food bank. You can give to these ministries online at ironbridge.church/give