Ann Miller Pearce Obituary

Virginia Ann Miller Pearce, wife of Dr. Philip H. Pearce, died on April 5, 2025. Mrs. Pearce was born in Spartanburg, SC, daughter of Harold H. Miller and Louise Parker Miller in 1935. She is survived by her husband, Phil Pearce, son Philip II, his wife Christine, and their children, Philip III (Trey) and daughter Ashley, fiancé Sebastian; daughter Lisa, her husband Edward Palombo, and their children Michael, his wife Alexandria; Maria Costa, her husband Charley; and son Scott, his wife Melissa and their children Taylor, Victoria, Sydney and her fiancé Caleb. Great grandchildren include Sophia Palombo, Michael Palombo and Nino Costa. Mrs. Pearce is also survived by her sister-in-law Kito Miller, three nieces and their families; and brother-in-law John Pearce, his wife Ina Mae, John’s two children and their families. She is predeceased by her parents Harold and Louise Miller and brother Harold Miller, Jr.

Ann was an accomplished vocalist and the recipient of several voice scholarships upon graduation from Spartanburg High School. In 1957 she received her BA from Furman University where she was a member and soloist for the Furman Singers. She continued her singing as a church and oratorio soloist for many years throughout the southeast.

In 1957, Ann married Philip Pearce, who was in medical school at Duke. During their medical school years, Ann served as secretary to Dr. Wiley Forbus, the Head of the Pathology Department at Duke. After her husband’s internship, they were stationed with the US Air Force in Newfoundland, Canada for three years. During that time, she was Director of the Base Chapel Choirs and the Officer’s Wives Chorale. Their two sons and daughter were born to them during those years of school and military service. After their time in the Air Force, they returned to Durham where Dr. Pearce completed his Ob-Gyn training and entered practice with Durham Women’s Clinic.

After their return to Durham, Ann was very active in the community and church. Some of her many honors and accomplishments included serving as: President of the Durham Junior Woman’s Club, President of the Watts Hospital Staff Wives, President of the Watts Hospital Auxiliary, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the new Durham Regional Hospital Gift Shop, Chairman of NC State Committee on Hospital Volunteer Services. In 2012 she was recognized as having the most volunteer hours ever for any volunteer at Watts Hospital and Durham Regional Hospital. Ann also served as President of the Friday Morning Music Club, and as a choir member and soloist at Watts Street Baptist Church for over 50 years where she also served on its Board of Deacons.

Ann was devoted to her family – her husband, their three children, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She delighted in being with family and serving others. Ann and Phil were avid travelers who traveled extensively throughout the world. They shared their love of travel and experiential learning with their children and grandchildren, hosting many trips to destinations designed to create lasting memories and appreciation for other cultures.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Watts Street Baptist Church at 10 AM on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with the Reverend Dorisanne Cooper officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Ann may be made to Watts Street Baptist Church Choral Program, 800 Watts St., Durham, NC 27701.