Judge Harriet S. Pierce was born in Camden, South Carolina.  She is the daughter of the late James H. (Jack) Spears and Louise R. Spears. Judge Pierce was educated in Camden schools and Winthrop College.

Judge Pierce was elected Probate Judge in November 1978 and sworn in on January 2, 1979, she has served continuously to date.

She is a member of the S.C. Association of Probate Judges, National College of Probate Judges, and various Civic Organizations.  Judge Pierce is a member of Lyttleton Street Methodist Church.