Willa Mae Pierce

In 1923 Russell Stover started making candy, work was begun on the Liberty Memorial, J.C. Nichols opened the Country Club Plaza, and Willa Mae Zimmerman was born.

Willa passed away September 3, 2026. She was 103.

Born in Garden City, MO on April 6, 1923, Willa came to Kansas City with her parents Harold and Charlotte Zimmerman during the Great Depression. She was educated at Scarritt Elementary School and St. Agnes High School. She lost her mother when she was just 15.

In May of 1963 she married William “Bill” Pierce and moved to Washington D.C., where she was employed for many years as a clerical worker for the United States government.

After returning to Kansas City, Willa for many years was a parishioner of Redemptorist Catholic Church (Our Lady f Perpetual Help) and later called Visitation her spiritual home. She was a frequent contributor of opinions to the Kansas City Star. She was sharp, warm and witty, and a very eloquent writer. A dog-eared 1960s dictionary was her constant companion. She consulted it nearly every day.

Willa made many friends over the years, but none better or more loved than Delores Mair, whom she called her bestie for almost 70 years, before Delores passed in 2025.

She was especially grateful to her caregiver, Nancy Byers (Delores’ daughter), for helping her out with doctor visits and other tasks. Her neighbors Doug and Ginger Graham were an additional blessing in her life, as they were always there to visit her and lend a helping hand.

Willa was proud of, and committed to, her Catholic faith. She loved regular talks with Monsignor Brad Offutt, and enjoyed visits from Julie O’Neill, who bought her Holy Communion each week.

Lastly, she loved her cat, “Stormy,” who kept her company in her last years.

A Memorial Service for Willa will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO on September 16, 2026, at 11:00 am.