Summer Leigh Shires Pierce, age 44, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022. She went to Heaven to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Summer was born April 24, 1977, to the late Alfred Dean Shires and Christy Gillespie Shires of Forest City, NC. Summer loved her family and especially her three sons, Hayden Bailey Pierce, Chase Alexander Pierce and stepson DJ Pierce Jr. She was extremely proud of all of her sons.

Summer was a member of Caroleen Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and loved to talk about him. She loved to show kindness and care for people in need. She also loved collecting Angels and relied on Jesus during her failing health.

Those left to cherish fond memories of Summer are her sons, Hayden, Chase and DJ, mother, Christy Gillespie Shires, grandparents, Bailey and Joy Gillespie, uncle Jerry Shires and Joyce Shires, Rhonda Medford and sons, Seth and Aaron, Susie Upton and son Andy Upton, Tony Shires, Lynn Shires Ormand and son, Jacob Evans, Kim Shires Silvers and the late Gene Shires and Aunt Helen Melton Shires. She is also survived by her beloved pets, Art and Buddy.

A private service will be officiated by Reverend Andy Evans and Reverend Ernie Holland (Caretaker for Summer's Grandfather, Bailey) and a friend to Summer. A private burial will also follow at Spindale City Cemetery.

The family will be at the home of Bailey and Joy Gillespie, (176 Elm Street, Spindale, NC). Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.

Summer's family would like to thank everyone for the tremendous support during the recent loss of her father, Alfred Shires, who passed away on January 17, 2022, and now on her passing.

Memorials may be made to Caroleen Baptist Church Women's Ministry, 205 Spencer Street, Caroleen, NC 28019 or Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, 380 US 221, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. Flowers may be sent to Crowe's Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.