Elton Joseph Pierce

SEPTEMBER 21, 1932 - MAY 13, 2021

MSgt, Elton Joseph Pierce was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 21, 1932, to Mrs. Jennie S. Jones-Pierce and Mr. Joseph Pierce.

Dad helped care for his siblings, which included an older sister, Marcell, and four younger siblings; John, Herman, Janet and J. E..

Dad entered the United States Air Force in 1951, which started a whole new adventure. When he was assigned to Lake Charles AFB, he met a beautiful young lady, Ms. Ruby Mae Gradney, whom became his wife, on August 4, 1956 .

Together, they continued to travel, courtesy of the US Air Force. Their first assignment, together, was in England.

In 1961, they welcomed their daughter, Miriam Marie. Then in 1964 they welcomed their second daughter, Cynthia Ann into the family.

The family continued the adventures together to Mississippi, Louisiana, California, Massachusetts, Colorado, Texas, Japan and back to California where Dad retired at Travis, AFB. Dad worked at Mather, AFB, for awhile, and then worked for state for another 18 years before retiring.

Dad enjoyed driving to Tahoe, Reno and the Bay area for fun. He and Mom would take weekend getaways to the mountains. They took road trips to Louisiana and Texas to see family.

Dad also enjoyed taking care of the family's dogs over the years which included Honey #1, Honey #2, Poochie and Missy. Out of all the dogs, Missy stole his heart. Missy would go on his "missions" with him in the car or just for a walk.

Dad would help anyone who was in need or asked for assistance, if he could do so. Dad was an extrovert, always making people feel welcomed, but he wasn't a pushover. If a person would try to cross the line, he would quietly and seriously tell them not to do so....it was very effective; even for us kids; well one of us. Dad had "the look" he would give, as did Mon, to let us know not to continue on that path.

Dad lost his true love, on September 17, 2017, and never recovered. Dad had a stroke in June 2019, which he fully recovered from, Amen! Other health issues came up, which he handled with strength and calmness.

Sadly, in April, after being in treatments for his health issues for almost two years, he became too tired to continue. He entered palliative care then hospice soon after. He passed away peacefully, at home, with his daughter at his side, and his favorite music playing.

He leaves behind his daughters Miriam and Cynthia, Granddaughter Latesha Renee, great-granddaughter Jalayah Maree, grandbaby Talianii-Monroe, brothers John (Beverly) Pierce, J.E. Pierce, sister Janet Casimier, brother-in-law Sonny (Theresa) Gradney, sister-in-laws Carrie Penagraph and Elaine Gradney, a hose of cousins, nieces and nephews.

I miss my dad so much, but knowing he is with Mom, I am comforted.