Mrs. Mamie Pearl Raper, age 85, passed away Saturday morning, November 20, 2021, surrounded by her children.

She was born on October 17, 1936, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Orville Burnett Pierce and Julia Pearl McConkey Pierce. She was a faithful Christian and member at Grace Baptist Church, Dalton. She had a love for children, spending most of her years working as a nanny. She also owned and operated ABC Daycare in Dalton for several years. Mamie was blessed with a voice that brought the sweetest sound to your ears. Years ago you would hear her songs on the radio, Mamie had the opportunity to sing with various groups in Nashville including the Carter Family. She was an avid Bingo player, enjoyed drawing and painting, and spending as much time as she could with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; late husband, James Raper; grandson, Travis Rich; great granddaughter, Jubilee Violette; sisters, Mildred "Micki" Bales and Mary Ruth White; brothers, Bill Seacrest, and Orville, Rance, Howard, Robert, Troy, Drewey, and Homer Pierce.

She is survived by her loving children , James Ferguson and wife, Ramona, Frances Defendorf and husband, Darryl, Frank Strong and wife, Angie, Sidney Strong and wife, Sonya; grandchildren, Danny Ferguson, David Ferguson, Will Ferguson, Heather Cuthb e rt, Michael Cuthb e r t, Ember Ferguson Violette , Tara Lancaster, Linds a y Pike, Adam Defendorf, Emily Defendorf, Kiersten Shamblin, Logan Strong, Ashley Strong, and McKenzie Strong; 1 4 great grandchildren and on e on the way ; sister s , Marie Mc Carter, Luria Fritts, and Joyce Howell; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 23, 2021, from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville. Funeral service will follow at 3:30 PM from the chapel of Barton Funeral Home with Reverend Chris Corbin officiating. She will be laid to rest next to her late husband, James Raper in Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia, NC at a later date.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Mamie Pearl Raper.