Patricia Karen Gendron Pierce Wright, 69, of Black Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully with family and friends Friday, July 20, 2018, at her best friend Marlyn Ernst' home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born April 19, 1949, in Gale, Illinois to the late Lewis Gendron and Frieda Augusta Adams Pierce.

She spent her childhood in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Miami; and Los Angeles. She attended middle school and high school in Shawnee, Illinois.

Patricia graduated with a technical degree in bookkeeping and secretarial work. From 1974 to 2000 she worked for Commercial Accounting, Storey's Food Giant, KFC payroll and the Bricklayers Local No 23. In 2001, she moved to Black Mountain and served as an in-home care assistant.

She was a proud member of the Eagles Club since 1983. She enjoyed bowling and loved anything Elvis.

Loving survivors include a daughter, Shawna Gilmore of Black Mountain; son, Richard Gilmore of Alabama; and grandchildren, Eli, Madison, Kaden, Kaylee and Kenton.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Erby Pierce.

A graveside service will be at 6 p.m. Sunday at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, Illinois. A reception will follow at the Eagles Lodge meeting room in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the family to help defray expenses.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.