Obituary of Mary Magdelene Pearce

Mary Magdalene Pierce was born February 22, 1922 in Buffalo, NY to the late James and Sylvia Bell of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Bells had four girls; Irene, Lillian, and Ruth. They had a special bond. Mary outlived all of them. Mary grew up in Buffalo and graduated from Hutchinson H.S. and immediately after attended beauty school. In 1940, she married Melvin Wells and gave birth to Loretta Mae Wells, their only daughter (deceased). Between the years of 1941 and 1947 she had two sons - Peter and Isaiah who both died as infants. In 1949, she had a second daughter, Veverona Bell (Rayford). In 1956, she married Harvey B. Pierce (deceased). As a little girl her family joined Bethel A.M.E. Church where she was baptized. She raised her daughters there. Mary was a member of Ladies Usher Board #1 where she served as president and vice president over the years. Mary had a long career as a hairdresser. In 1962, she opened her own beauty shop called "Marys Beauty Castle" at 457 Jefferson Ave. in Buffalo. Starting in the early 70s Mary worked for the Erie County 4-H Program where she taught neighborhood children (as well as her own grandchildren) the basics of cooking and gardening. She and her students won many ribbons and awards - something she was very proud of! Around that time, she and a group of friends started a travel club call the "Bon Voyagers". They traveled to such places as Washington, DC, Jamaica, as well as making many trips to New York City, and Toronto, Canada to see numerous plays. Mary was a very "hands on" grandmother; treating her grandchildren as if they were her own children. She took care of Starla and Toyia for several years throughout their lifetime. She taught them the importance of reading the bible, memorizing bible verses, and prayer. In 1996, Mary moved to Atlanta, GA to live with her daughter Veverona. She remained there until 2002 at which time she moved to Detroit, MI. While in Detroit, she would be taken care of by three granddaughters; first living with Starla, then Toyia, and then spending her remaining years with Chandra. Initially she would make Rosedale Park Baptist Church her home, then Great Commission Fellowship. She enjoyed many card games such as gin rummy and tunk, and occasionally liked going to the casino. She liked saving her pennies and giving them to her great grandchildren. She liked going to the Brightmoor Senior Center where she made friends. She loved reading her "Daily Bread" booklets, and never wanted to throw anything away. During her many car rides around the city she was amazed at the difference between the trees in Detroit and Buffalo. She liked old school gospel songs - her favorite being "Hes Sweet I Know", which she sang during her most recent visit to the hospital. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Veverona Rayford of Atlanta. Six grandchildren: Julius L. Kelly, Chandra Holloway (Daren), Melvin L. Kelly, Starla Davis, Toyia Kelly-Price (Jermari) all of Detroit, MI, and Ebony Rayford (Lugano, Switzerland), 18 great grandchildren, 29 great-great grandchildren, and 2 great-great-great grandchildren. Three nephews; James Bell, Jeffery Patterson, and Eddie Patterson, Two nieces; Linda Cobb, and Ruth Smith. One close friend Cindy Smith of Buffalo. Two of her granddaughters; Charisse Stokes, and Mary Jinks preceded her in death. Please share a memory of Mary by signing her online guestbook.