Dr. Lenton Pierce

LIFE'S JOURNEY

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.

On August 15, 2024, Dr. Lenton Pierce answered the gentle call of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, I will give you rest.

The Legacy Begins

He was the fourth child of six, born to the late Grady Lee and Queenell Knox Pierce on June 29, 1951, in Jeff Davis County. He was a Renaissance Man who was no- nonsense, yet loyal to a fault to those he loved with a heart of gold. He exemplified the poem "A Black Man, A Noble Sight' "He walks with purpose and power, his stride firm and unyielding, for he knows the weight of history, and the challenges of his being.

He was a lifelong learner as well as an avid reader. He was an advocate for the pursuit of Higher Education. He encouraged as well as emphasized the importance of excelling beyond high school and post-secondary to his nieces and nephews. He was a brilliant man who did not shy away from good trouble.

He embraced as well as demonstrated throughout his life the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mantra "Whenever men and women straighten their backs up, they are going somewhere, because a man can't ride your back unless it is bent.

Growing up in the Pierce household contributed to his unyielding work ethics. Prior to graduating from Hazlehurst High School in 1969, he had an extensive work history ranging from cropping tobacco, to work at both the Jeff Davis Country Club and Jeff Davis Hospital.

He always walked to the beat of his own drum; therefore, he didn't allow his zip code to dictate his outcome because he knew he was destined for greatness.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in November of 1969 and served dutifully until he was Honorably Discharged in September of 1973. The military afforded him an opportunity to travel the world and gain exposure to a whole new world.

Upon returning to Hazlehurst in 1973, he became employed at Hazlehurst Mills. He knew that this job was just a pit stop along the highway of Life. While working, he made sacrifices to further his education. The hand of God was orchestrating behind the scenes as he began his educational attainment marathon.

In 1978, he graduated from South Georgia College with an Associate of Science.

In 1979, he graduated from South Georgia College with an Associate of Science.

In 1981, he graduated from Albany State University with a Bachelor of Science. In 1985, he graduated from Albany State University with a Master of Education. In 1988, he graduated from Albany State University with a Specialist in Education.

In 2004, he graduated from Argosy University with an Education Specialist (Educational Leadership).

In 2007, he graduated from Argosy University with a Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership).

He was blessed to cultivate a loving and supportive work family throughout the span of his career while employed at Mitchell-Baker Elementary School, Jackson Heights Elementary School and Radium Springs Middle School where he retired after 27 years of service at the end of the school year in 2013.

At a young age, he was introduced to his first love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when he became a member of Bennett Tabernacle Holiness Church. Although he never was a lead singer, he was a faithful choir member who knew how to hold a tune.

God blessed him with an extraordinary ability to mesmerize an audience effortlessly through his eloquent yet powerful Orator skills. He was often asked throughout the church community to participate in their program as the Guest Speaker. He attended worship services in person until his health would not allow him to attend. Therefore, he began watching services virtually from home.

Prior to his health declining he enjoyed traveling with family and friends via airplanes, cars, chart buses, cruise ships, and trains.

He served dutifully as the President of the Georgia Chapter of the Williams-Pierce Family Reunion.

He will forever hold the crown for frying the BEST chicken wings within the family.

Family Ties

Dr. Pierce is survived by his Fur-Baby Camron Maximilian Pierce (aka Max), siblings: Dolly (Aaron)Hicks, Donald Pierce, Rietta Handsome, Starsilveneious(Franklin Sr) Conaway, and Calvin Lee Pierce. Because of his parents' kindness and generosity became an honorary member a special brother, Elder Eddie Harmon.

Honorary Daughters and Sons in the form of Nieces and Nephews: Geraline Handsome, Valentino Handsome, Rufus (Sharon) Handsome III, Cassandra Handsome, Prophet Ronald (Terica) Handsome, Willie Handsome, Angela Hicks, Dr. Alisha (Kevin) Pendleton, Tammy Pierce, Donna Pierce, LaDonald Pierce, Melody Pierce, Jasmine (Chris) Lewis, Franklin Conaway Jr., 23 Great Nieces and Nephews , 7 Great Great Nieces and Nephew, and Many Surrogate Nieces and Nephews.

Ripple In Time

He was preceded in death by the following: Fur -Baby Samuel Raphael Pierce (Ralph), Father, Grady Lee Pierce, Mother, Queenell Knox Pierce, Paternal Grandfather, Brady Pierce, Paternal Grandmother, Sadie Williams Pierce, Maternal Grandfather, Willie Lee Knox, Maternal Grandmother, Henrietta Knox, Nephew Dr. Joseph D Handsome, In-laws, Rufus Handsome Jr., Peggy Pierce.

Cherished Memories

He leaves behind to cherish and reflect on his memories the following: aunts: Genether Ellis, Mary/Peggy Knox, Rosetta Knox, uncle: Wille C (Dorothy) Knox; and host of cousins and friends.