Michelle “Miki” Frances Pierce, 80, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, in Wilkesboro, N.C. Miki was born on November 13, 1944, in Gulfport, Miss., to James A. Baccus and Rozanne Seither Baccus, while her father was serving at the Gulfport Field military base. She grew up in Miami, Fla., with her beloved younger sister Deborah Baccus, and began working for Southern Bell Telephone Company at just sixteen, even before completing high school, a reflection of her strong determination.

Miki moved to New York, where she married Donald Pierce in 1964. Though their marriage later ended in divorce, Miki built a fulfilling career with NYNEX Telephone Company, where she worked for many years first as an executive assistant to the company’s president and then as a department manager of corporate art and office design, a role that reflected her strong sense of beauty and style.

She made her home in Ossining, N.Y., until her retirement in 1999, when she relocated to Charlotte, N.C., to be closer to her sister Debbie. In Charlotte, Miki continued to serve her community through her work with MEDIC Emergency Medical Services until 2010.

Miki loved animals, both pets and wildlife, and she loved to talk for hours and connect with people. Her kindness and generosity earned her the devotion of many loyal friends.

Miki is survived by her brother, Stephen Baccus, and his wife Barbara Brott; her beloved niece, Caroline Baccus; her stepmother, Florence Baccus; and her stepbrothers, Clifford, Nolan, and Michael Baccus.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Taylorsville.

Condolences may be sent to www.adamsfunerals.com.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family of Michelle “Miki” Frances Pierce.