Gillian Mary Alberta Pearce

Gillian Mary Alberta Pearce, 77, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, June 3, 2019.  She was born to Victor James and Louisa Jane Underwood on May 16, 1942 in Droxford, Hampshire, England. Gillian graduated from Goldsmith College, London University, receiving a degree in elementary education and a master’s in education from the University of Southampton.  Gill was devoted to her work in education, as a teacher and as Head-Mistress at Arundel Court School and other primary schools throughout Portsmouth, England, for over 30 years. Even after retirement she continued her work developing and establishing a drama program at San Jose Episcopal Day School in Jacksonville, FL and continued to enrich the lives of children through private tutoring.

Gill met Robert (Bob), the love of her life, in Malta in 1974 and they were married for 42 years. After emigrating to Florida, Gill and Bob opened a successful photographic studio, Chelsea Photographic of San Marco, where they enjoyed working together on weddings and portrait photography. Family was central to Gill’s life – she enjoyed getting together for meals and celebrations, as well as many visits from her family in England.

Gill was a faithful member of San Jose Episcopal Church and she ministered to many as a caregiver for Stephen Ministries. Gill had many interests, including making pottery, gardening, going to the theatre, and she loved to travel.

Gill will be remembered for her love of children and family, and for being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.  She is preceded in death by her Mother and Father, her sister Elizabeth (Betty) Merriman, her daughter-in-law Lorraine Pearce and her great-niece Ella Jade Czornyj.  Gillian is survived by her husband, Robert Pearce, of Jacksonville, Florida; her children, Joanne (Colin) Rumney, of Jacksonville Florida, Katie (Scott) Bennett, of Jacksonville, Florida, Charlotte (Brian) Logullo of Jacksonville, Florida, Richard (Heidi) Pearce of Laxey, Isle of Man, UK and Elizabeth (Pierre) Diennet, of New York, New York.  Her beloved sister, Shirley Holland, of Fareham, England, her nieces, Julie Gask, Helene Czornyj, Verity Bland, Sally Curzon and their families in England; and her grandchildren, Gabrielle and Oliver Rumney, Benjamin (Caroline) Bennett, Samuel and Hannah Logullo, Michael, Joseph, Charlotte and Benjamin Pearce, Dashiell Diennet and her great grand-daughter Olivia Bennett.

A memorial service will be held at San Jose Episcopal Church, 7423 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, at 2:00 pm in the afternoon, on Thursday, June 13, 2019.  The service will be officiated by the Rev. Stephen C. Britt.

Flowers or donations to a Memorial Fund may be sent to San Jose Episcopal Church.