Christopher Joseph Pierce's Obituary
Christopher Joseph (Jody) Pierce, age 56, of Stillwater, OK passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Jody participated in the first Special Education class at Miami High School and graduated in 1982. He was born on September 18, 1964 to Gene (Joe) Pierce and Dorothy Ann (Wells) Pierce. His loving mother, Dorothy, passed away in 1991. He is survived by father, Joe Pierce of Stillwater, OK, brother, John Pierce of Bloomington, MN, sister-in-law, Lori Pierce of Rochester, MN, nephews, John Pierce Jr. (Miranda) and Zachary Pierce, great nieces, Taylor and Brooklyn Pierce, great nephews, Sawyer, Cullen, Quinn, and Jonah Pierce, aunts and uncles, Ron and Mary (Wells) Panter, Helen (Wells) Camp, Sam Pierce, and Betty Chenoweth.
Since his birth, Jody has been a blessing and brought happiness to everyone that has had the pleasure of knowing him. Jody was born with Down Syndrome and bilateral congenital cataracts. As a baby, he underwent numerous surgeries that restored partial sight to him. In his early 20's, he developed glaucoma which left him permanently blind. With the help of his loving parents, Jody was able to live a full and productive life. Knowing that Jody was a precious gift from God, Joe and Dorothy understood that he would always need a little extra help. Instead of hiding him away, they made sure that Jody was taken everywhere and involved in all activities. The community accepted and loved Jody.
When Jody was young, Joe realized that there were not adequate programs for people with developmental disabilities. Jody was the inspiration for Joe's lifelong work with the Knights of Columbus and other groups to form the foundation for the Center of Family Love in Okarche, OK and the Stillwater Group Homes. Jody and his dad were heavily involved in the Tootsie Roll Drives across Oklahoma that raised money for this type of much needed residential housing. Jody and Joe met with three different governors and over one hundred state senators raising awareness and being an advocate for other adults like himself needing a place in the community and trying to fit in.
Jody was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and attended mass regularly. Jody knew all the mass responses and always spoke them loud and clear. Jody began working at the Payne County Sheltered Workshop in 1983, which later became MPower. He enjoyed going to work everyday and would look forward to going back after the weekend. Jody enjoyed the Special Olympics, especially competing in bowling. He loved Wednesday night and weekend dates with his "Daddy Boy" for cheeseburger, fries, and coke. Jody loved celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas and singing Christmas songs, opening presents, and being with his family. He loved music. His favorite was trips to Branson on his birthday. During one of these trips to Branson, he was invited up on stage to sing with the Osmond Brothers.
Jody was a true angel sent by God and taught us how to love and live life to the fullest.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Jody to Stillwater Group Homes.
Stillwater Group Homes
904 W 11th Ave
Stillwater, OK. 74074
Service Information:
Rosary
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
711 N Country Club Road
Stillwater, OK. 74075
Thursday, March 25 at 7:00 PM
Funeral Mass
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Friday, March 26 at 10:00 AM
Graveside Service
Welch Cemetery
Welch, OK
Friday, March 26 at 3:00 PM
Pallbearers will be Knights of Columbus members Tom Bradley, Maury Campbell, Don McCroskey, Chris Stoner, Pedro Velasco, and Joe Williams.
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