Marilea Miller Pierce, 79, of Panama City passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born August 23, 1937, in Bonifay, FL and was preceded in death by her parents Willard Miller and Kate Gilbert Perryman.  She is survived by her son Joe (Terri) of Panama City Beach, her grandchildren Joey (Cassie) of Panama City Beach, Betsy (Chris) Daniels of Lynn Haven, and Daniel of Panama City Beach; her three great grandchildren, Mason and Grace Daniels and Catalina Pierce; her sisters Ruth Johnson and Cindy (Jim) Griggs, her brother-in-law Paul (Charlotte) Pierce of Port St. Joe, and sister-in-law Lucille Pierce and several nieces and nephews.

Her husband, Harold F. Pierce, preceded her in death, as well as her brother-in-law Frank Pierce, her sister-in-law Evelyn Watkins, and her nephew Jonathan Pierce.

Marilea loved her family and was a good friend to many.  She had a love and respect for nature and all of its creatures throughout her life and always had one or two beloved furry companions by her side.  Some of her happiest days were spent with her family fishing at their camp at Howard Creek.

The family will receive friends at Wilson Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 , from 6 to 8 p.m.  Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2016 , at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Friedman officiating.  Burial will follow at Kent-Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Bay County.