On April 23, 1945, a beautiful baby girl made her grand entrance into the world by the name of Leora Erving. She was born to the late Ellis Erving, Sr. and Isis B. (Thornton) Erving in Attala county. Leora's first tender years of life were spent in Chicago, Illinois. She would rather return home where she assisted her parents with household chores, cooking and working on the farm.
Leora attended and gained her education at the long creek Attendance Center. She acepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church until she relocated to Minneapolis Minnesota. While living in Minnesota she attended the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Gaither Robinson.
On November 28, 1965, Leora was united in holy matrimony to Floyd Pierce. To this union, seven children were born. Leora was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Auntie and friend. She was someone who deeply loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren as well her nieces and nephews.
She was someone who gave it to you straight. For those who truly and genuinely knew her came to realize and know that she was tough simply because she only wanted the best for you. Leora was the kind of person who would give her last in time of need as she was always willing to give a helping hand. She would support you in the best way she knew how, which was with her presence.
Leora was no stranger to the kitchen. She was notably and especially known for her homemade biscuits, dressing, and sweet potato pies (to name a few dishes), that she often made upon request for family and friends.
Leora is preceded in death by her parents, Ellis Erving Sr. nd Isie B. (Thornton) Erving; Husband Floyd Pierce, Two Sons: Floyd Pierce, Jr. and Frederick Pierce; Four Brothers: Ellis Erving, Jr., A.D. Erving, Arthur Erving and Willie C. Winters; Two sisters: Marjorie Erving, Jackie Flanagan and One great-grandchild: Tiegen Pierce.
She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: Four daughters: Bessie Pierce, Sharon Pierce, Letaurus (Tyrone) Jackson of Minneapolis, MN; and Eleanor Pierce of Dallas, TX; Two Sons: William (June) Pierce and Clyde (Allison) Brotherson of Minneapolis, MN; Two adopted children, Rev. Patrick Owens and Marilyn (Sparkle) Kennedy; Two Honorary sons: Johnathan Harms, James Wade Kilbert and One Grandson Amiri Brotherson.
Twenty Grandchildren: Antwan, Jermaine (Frugger), Jalaya, Janea, Roderick, Princess, Rodney, Destiny, Alexis, Marcelynn, Victoria, Kendrick, Diamonique, Leoresha, D'Marco, Thai, Tyasia, Tyren, Shania and Candace; Thirty-three great-grandchildren and Two adopted great-grandchildren along with a large host of Nieces and Nephews.
Six Sisters: Mary Lee Warren, Hattie B. Erving-Wade, Jessie Lee Erving, of Minneapolis, MN; Mary Alice Gadson of Durant, MS; Viola Collins of West, MS; Dillie Thompson of Hattiesburg, MS; Four brothers: Emmitt Erving, Van (Kay Frances) Erving, all of West, MS; George Erving of Jackson, MS; Roosevelt (Icy) Fletcher of Kosciusko, MS; and One sister-in-law: Diane Bentley.
Special friends: Mother Elizabeth Dennis, Mother Oretta Doss, Sister Brenda Thomas, Mary Hayes and Evangelist Evelyn Doyle. In humble submission, we say like Job: "The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!" (Job 1:21)
PLACE OF SERVICE: Durant M.B. Church, Durant, MS
DATE OF SERVICE: Saturday 5/14/2022 at 1:00 p.m.
INTERMENT: Smyrna Cemetery, West, MS
VIEWING: Friday 5/13/2022 at 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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