Lonnie Pierce

LONNIE PIERCE, SR. departed this life at his home on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 after a lengthy illness.Lonnie was born in Darlington, South Carolina, July 17, 1923, to the late Charlie and Bessie Ham. His parents passed when he was a child and he was adopted and reared in Florence, South Carolina; where he received his early schooling. In 1937 Lonnie left Florence, South Carolina to come to Baltimore, Maryland to live with his aunts Flora Pierce and Hanna Evans. Upon arriving, Lonnie found employment as a press machine operator at a dry cleaner.In March of 1943 he entered the U. S. Army where he was first assigned to the Cavalry and later transferred to the 1249th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon where he drove fire trucks. Discharged in January of 1946, Lonnie returned to Baltimore, and in October of 1948 he married Mary Lee. From this union three children were born — Lonnie Jr., Valerie and Deborah. The family was increased with the addition of Perla, Robin, John Jr. and Nancy. Lonnie retired from Wendell Textiles in 1992 after many years of service.Lonnie was a member of the St. Paul Community Baptist Church for many years and served faithfully as a member of the Usher Board and as a Trustee of which he was also Chairman. Lonnie also served as a Trustee of the Freedom Baptist Church where his experience and insight were of great value. As his health began to fail, he had to curtail some activities, but could be seen on the front porch listening to Oriole baseball games.Pop, as Lonnie was affectionately called, was loved by everyone who knew him. A jovial man, Lonnie was known for his jokes and pranks that he played on family and friends. Alway willing to lend a helping hand and a piece of candy, he will be greatly missed by everyone. We have indeed lost a true Christian friend who will never be forgotten.Preceded in death by his wife Mary and all of his siblings, he leaves to mourn: seven children, Lonnie Jr., Valerie, Deborah, Perla, Robin, John Jr. and Nancy; two daughters-in-law, Gloria Pierce and Audlyn Lee; three sons-in-law, Taiwo Fakunle, Kelly Johnson, Sr., and Michael Franks, Sr.; two sisters-in-law, Charlotte and Louise; three brothers-in-law, Jesse Williams, Melvin Lee and Irving Williamson; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; Harriett Wilson and family; nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends

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Lonnie Pierce

July 17, 1923 - May 1, 2007