Nora Lee Pierre

Born December 20, 1935, in Escatawpa, Alabama

Born to Eternal Life on September 21, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama

Nora spent her childhood in the Fruitdale, Alabama area, where she completed the eighth grade at Fruitdale Elementary School in 1949. That same year, her parents moved the family to Aliceville, Alabama, where Nora attended Aliceville High School and graduated in 1953.

After high school, Nora followed her dream of becoming a nurse and enrolled in Providence Hospital’s School of Nursing. After earning her RN designation, she worked for several years at Providence Hospital and in private practice. In time, she met the love of her life, Doug, and the two were married in October 1963. Together they raised two children, Greg and Lynn, and Nora poured herself into every aspect of their lives.

Nora returned to nursing part time in 1974 at Providence Hospital and continued working there until her retirement in 2001. She was a devoted and diligent nurse who cared deeply for her patients and took great pride in giving them excellent care.

Nora was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Esther Hendrix; her sister, Nola Nowell (Bob); and her brothers, Charles Hendrix and Russell Hendrix (Anne). She is survived by her children, Greg Pierre (Linda) and Lynn Johnson (Richard); her grandchildren, Lee Pierre, Jasmine Pierre, and Spencer Johnson (Sarah); and her great-grandchild, Melina Pierre. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Nora loved Jesus Christ and found great comfort in gospel music. On Sunday mornings, she faithfully watched two church services on television along with the Catholic Mass for shut-ins. She also enjoyed reading the Bible and devotional materials, drawing strength and peace from her faith.

Baking was one of Nora’s great joys. She was a wonderful cook and loved making “goodies” to share with family, friends, neighbors, and doctors. Once she learned someone’s favorite treat, she made sure they never had to go too long without it.

Like her mother, Nora had a true green thumb. She loved taking a small cutting from a plant, placing it in water until it rooted, then planting it in the yard or in a pot and watching it grow into something beautiful.

To know Nora was to love her. Growing up during the Depression and World War II years helped shape her into an independent, resourceful, and determined woman. She was careful with what she had and never liked to see anything go to waste because, as she might remind you, you never knew when you might need it. Some said Nora could make a penny scream for mercy, and they probably were not wrong.

Nora loved keeping in touch with longtime friends and family, and she was never shy about sharing what we affectionately called her “sassy” side. She had an opinion and, whether you asked for it or not, she was usually happy to share it. Even so, she was a good listener, quick to forgive, and generous with her love. She was also something of an amateur meteorologist, faithfully checking the rain gauge in her backyard, wondering why she never seemed to get enough rain while the other side of town got plenty.

Although Nora faced health issues over the years, she never let them keep her from being a loving and involved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and daughter. After her esophageal cancer diagnosis last December, she kept a positive outlook and remained, as always, the perfect patient. She managed her daily peg tube feedings and medications with grace and determination while continuing to live independently.

Nora will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to the caregivers who supported Nora over the past eight months, including the staff of the Cancer Center of Mobile and Saad's Home Health. They are especially grateful to the staff at Providence Hospital 11-East for the outstanding care Nora received during the last week of her life.

A final farewell for Nora will be held at Our Savior Catholic Church in Mobile on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 am to 10:50 am. A nursing honor guard presentation will commence at 10:50 am, with the funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 am. Interment will immediately follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens on Three Notch Road. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.