Willie Beatrice Pierce

Honoring the Life of Our Matriarch — Forever in Our Hearts: Willie Beatrice Pierce (Ma Bea)

October 1, 1935 – April 9, 2025

Willie Pierce, lovingly known as Ma Bea, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025—a day that marked both the beginning and the completion of her extraordinary life. A woman of deep faith, unmatched strength, and boundless love, Willie leaves behind a legacy that spans generations.

Willie was born and raised in Rockford, Georgia, where her early years were marked by both hardship and resilience. As a young girl, she and her sister spent time in a girls’ home, leaning on each other for strength. Those early experiences shaped her into a woman of unshakable character—someone who gave love even when life didn’t always give it to her.

She shared a lifelong bond with her cousin from Leesburg, who was more like a sister. That connection stood the test of time and reflected the deep loyalty that defined Willie’s heart.

Willie married young and started a family, later moving to Ocala, Florida, where she continued building the foundation of her life and legacy. She had two children in the early years of her marriage and would go on to have four more. Though she experienced the heartbreaking loss of five of her six children, her strength never wavered. She poured love into her family with fierce devotion and grace.

She helped raise eight of her grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as her own. Her home was a safe haven, and her heart had no limits. She loved and embraced many children throughout her life—guiding them, praying over them, and standing in the gap for anyone who needed her.

Willie leaves to mourn her passing her beloved daughter and last living child, Sheryl Thomas, who faithfully stood by her side through every season of life.

She also leaves behind the grandchildren she helped raise with unwavering love and care:

Angelia Pierce, William Burgess, James McNair Jr., Derrick McNair, Tina Carter, Carlos Carter, Leamon Hendrix III, Christopher Hendrix, Charles Perry Jr., and Shery’Nekia Thomas.

And her great-grandchildren who held a special place in her heart:

Victor Williams Jr., Dominique Pierce, and Shaquata Jackson.

She is also survived by her loving sister.

She leaves her devoted niece Johnnie Harrison, who was like a daughter to her; her bonus daughters Alexis “Tennile” Cook and Gloria “Jackson” Taylor; and a cherished friend and second mother figure to her daughter, Gwendolyn Johnson.

Special thanks and heartfelt love go to Freddie Lopez, who stood by the family not just in title, but in truth. More than a son-in-law, he was a dependable, caring presence who offered support and kindness during some of the most difficult times.

Willie was the true definition of a virtuous woman. She gave of herself endlessly—not just through food, shelter, and care, but through wisdom, warmth, and protection. She was a mother, grandmother, nurturer, peacemaker, and prayer warrior. Her strength was wrapped in gentleness, and her presence made everyone feel safe and loved.

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