Wilma Pierce's Obituary
Our family sadly lost our matriarch, Wilma Pierce, on the evening of Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 in the comfort of her Oakland home where she was surrounded by her family and loved ones. These were her wishes. Wilma was tired after years of struggling with dialysis for her kidney failure and residual weakness after surviving her second episode of covid-19 months prior. She wanted rest, as she lived a full life of 86 years.
Wilma was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska where she met her late husband, Leslie Pierce. From this union of love their one and only beautiful daughter was born (Flora Pierce). Unfortunately, a few short years later, Wilma suffered the loss of her husband and became a widow. In search of new beginnings and a better future, she and Flora made their way to California. Wilma spent the remainder of her life in her beloved hometown of Oakland, where she worked as a seamstress and a devoted activist for equal rights and treatment of the black and deaf community as a whole. Oakland, and the people in it, quickly became like family and a place she was happy to call home. Wilma, grew up with a desire to build community and help anyone who was less fortunate or in need and she did just that. Wilma helped many people throughout the years. And to know her was to adore her. If you were fortunate enough to have been in her presence; to hear her speak in her unique voice, share her words of wisdom, curse you for being out of order or simply hear her sing songs of her own making while doing her little shoulder shimmy, consider yourself blessed. Wilma truly adored her family and its tiniest additions. She spend most of her latter life home cooking, doing laundry and care for them.
In Wilma's passing, she will be reunited with her sweet daughter - Flora Pierce, Husband - Leslie Pierce and both her parents. She also leaves behind four grandchildren - Brandii Hudson (Pryor) + Terrance Hudson, Evelyn Pryor and James Pryor (all of Oakland, CA), two bonus grandchildren - Tamika Pryor (of Sacramento, CA) and Micheal Pryor (of Bronx, NY), seven great grandchildren Elijah Drumgoole, ZayLynn Hunter, Nyla Hudson, James Pryor Jr., Zamora Easley, Jay'Miah Pryor, Rochelle Easley and many more family members, friends and loving caregivers throughout the years. You all gave her life great joy.
The woman known as "Maw-maw" to some and Wilma Pierce to others, you will truly be missed.
Rest in eternal peace grandma - Brandii
What’s your fondest memory of Wilma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wilma?
Share a story where Wilma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wilma you’ll never forget.
How did Wilma make you smile?