The Pierson family gathered to celebrate the 98th birthday of Mrs. Margie Pierson, seated, and surprised her by announcing the Joe and Margaret Pierson Family Scholarship. Standing from left are Coach Mike McConathy representing the NSU Foundation, Susan Pierson Berndt, Barry Berndt, Ruth Pierson Cleland, Joe Pierson Jr., Pat Pierson and Lynn Pierson.
NATCHITOCHES – The family of Mrs. Margie Pierson marked her birthday by gathering together on April 5 to celebrate her 98 years and to announce a scholarship to support Northwestern State University students. The Pierson family made a $10,000 contribution to the NSU Foundation to establish the Joe and Margaret Pierson Family Scholarship.
“We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to establish the scholarship since Joe and Margaret and all four of their children and many grandchildren are NSU graduates,” said Dr. Pat Pierson, daughter-in-law and a former NSU coach, teacher and administrator.
Margaret Helen Barnes Pierson was born to Bert and Margaret Barnes at Belena Plantation April 3, 1927, during the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927. Her gather was a farmer. She graduated from Ferriday High School and attended Louisiana State Normal College which was renamed Northwestern State College while she was a student there. She majored in business education and upon graduation taught her first year at Logansport High School.
Margaret met Joe H. Pierson, Sr. after he returned to NSC and Natchitoches following service in the Navy during World War II. After their graduation, they married in 1948 and started a family in Natchitoches. Over the years, Mrs. Pierson was involved with the Service League of Natchitoches, St. Denis Garden Club and First United Methodist Church, where she was responsible for the altar flowers for over 50 years. She spent many years teaching flower arranging classes and serving as a flower show judge. Her love for flowers has been a passion in her adult life. She also loved preparing gourmet meals and entertaining friends and family. She and Joe were named Natchitoches Treasures in 2010.
“Since NSU has been a central part of the life of this family, it is fitting that the Joe and Margaret Pierson Family establish a scholarship in their names. It is their hope that future students can also benefit from the wonderful education and experiences that the Pierson family has received there,” Pat Pierson said.
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