Using commas in a series

Hi, I'm not sure about using commas correctly in a series. For example, consider the sentence below:

I went to the store to purchase some apples, oranges, and pears.

My question is this: should there be a comma right before the and at the end of the series?

Thanks in advance!

Julielai wrote:

Hi X86, I don't think there is a consensus on the serial comma issue.  But here's a quote that you may find interesting: "Tell the metaphor-happy student that commas are like dividers between ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise; fences between dogs, cats, and chickens; or borders between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon. Without them, messes result. (Dodge the fact that messes may result even if they are present.)" Source: Always, always, always by Bill Rohde (from Short Takes: model essays for composition, 6th ed.)

Ah, I understand now. Thanks!