At the church's April 1992 general conference, Pearce was sustained as first counselor to Young Women general president Janette C. Hales. She served in this capacity until 1997, when Hales was released and replaced by Margaret D. Nadauld. Pearce is a member of the board of directors of Deseret Book, a company owned by the LDS Church.
Pearce is the author and coauthor of multiple books. In 1965, she married James R. M. Pearce (died 2009) and they had six children.
Publications
Virginia H. Pearce (2013). Extending Forgiveness (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book)
Sheri L. Dew and Virginia H. Pearce (2012). The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book) ISBN978-1-60641-851-2
Virginia H. Pearce (2011). Through His Eyes: Rethinking What You Believe About Yourself (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book) ISBN1-60641-242-6
Virginia H. Pearce (2006). A Heart Like His: Making Space for God's Love in Your Life (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book) ISBN1-59038-544-6