Cleo Joan Pierce of Snyder, Colorado, was born October 28, 1938, to Russell and Treasa Dobner. She grew up in Morgan County, graduated from Brush High School in 1956, and married Vernon "Jack" Pierce a few months later on September 2, 1956. Over the years, she worked in hospitality at several Morgan County restaurants and spent 22 years working for the United States Postal Service.

Jack and Joan had five children: Mike (Kelly), Brad (Kaylene), Rod (Lora),  Lavonna, and Ronald (Denise).  Over the years, their family grew to include fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Jack and Joan enjoyed traveling in their motor home and serving their Snyder community especially through projects at the Snyder Senior Center (formerly Snyder Lodge Hall).  After Jack's passing in 2006, Joan continued serving at the Senior Center with her friend Alvina, being instrumental in starting the Congregate Meal Site program and acquiring a grant for the quality water installation at the Center.   Joan spent time volunteering for her local Methodist Church, the Council on Aging, and Spinners and Weavers for many years.  She was awarded the Business Associate of the Year award in 1997 by the American Business Women's Association; and,  in 2011, she was given the "Angels Among Us" award for her many acts of self-less service to the Snyder community.

In her free time, Joan would visit with her sisters, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, and many friends in the community. A talented woman, she spent hours in her basement sewing or in her living room crocheting or piecing together thousands of jigsaw puzzle pieces.  Her handiwork won several prizes at the county fair or outfitted many of her loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her one day-old daughter Lavonna, her husband, Jack, her sister Lucille, and her grandson Chris. She is survived by two sisters, several nieces and nephews, and her four sons and their families.

A Visitation will be Monday December 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Heer Heer Mortuary, and a Memorial Services will be  on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Heer Mortuary.