Viessa Rae Lyons Ferrell

Proceeded in death by Raymond Beavers her father; Ellory Branson her stepfather; Mother Vessie Beavers-Branson; Great Aunt Bertha Pitts Campbell a Delta Sigma Theta founder. Husbands Troy Lyons, Senior, and Dennis Ferrell; and significant others Retired Marine Corps Sgt. Major, James McCargo, and Felix Gutierrez.

Viessa Rae Lyons Ferrell, a beacon of unwavering love, steadfast faith, and tireless community service, passed away peacefully on September 12th, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. To know Viessa was to know a woman whose heart belonged, first and foremost, to her family. Her greatest masterpiece was not found in the poetry she wrote, the paintings she created, or the accolades she received for service, but in the vibrant, sprawling five-generations of legacy love she leaves behind. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Lorinda (Lyons) Holmes and Ronna (Lyons) Smith, and is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her beloved late sons, Troy Faruk and Raymond Lyons. Viessa’s matriarchal tree blossomed richly, and she took immense pride in every branch. 

Through her daughter Lorinda, her legacy continues through her granddaughter Deirdre A. Wallace (and Eugene Wallace) and grandson Dr. Jeffrey Holmes (and wife Nicole). She was a cherished great-grandmother to Elise LaForge, Nichole Jones, Sabrina Gray, Joshua Holmes, Jahleel Holmes (and wife Timera Holmes), Jordyn Holmes, and Jayla Nicole Holmes. Her joy multiplied with the arrival of her great-great-grandchildren: Jacob, Charles, Oliver, Jackson, Benjamin, and Arielle LaForge; Rhesa and Asher Gray; Jaidon Davon Jemison and Janiyah-Alori Nailah Holmes; and Jahsai Easy Holmes the youngest of the Great-great-grandchildren.

Through her daughter Ronna, Viessa’s spirit lives on in her granddaughter Jennifer Rae Smith-Adams (and Jeffrey Todd Adams); her great-grandchildren Jeremiah Nashon Lyons De Lorenzo, Je'onna Marae Elizabeth Coker, and Jazmine Kai Jean Rodriguez (and husband Samuel Lee Rodriguez); alongside her great-great-grandsons Jayden Nicholas Coker and Hayden Marshall Adams.

Profound joy of family given to her by her adored late sons' lingers. She is survived by her grandchildren Vanessa Rae (Faruk-Meyer) Raines (and husband Jason Raines), Troy Faruk Jr. (and son Orion), Jamilah Faruk (and son Malachi Keane), Sakinah Faruk Nuckles, Raelynn (Lyons) Harrison (and husband Matthew Harrison), and their children Aliese, Lyrikal, Harmoney, Matthew Jr., Symphoney.

Viessa was beloved by many outside of the immediate family which extends to the devoted Pastoral family of Bruce DeSoto going above and beyond the call of pastoral care. Neighbors and friends also extended their love back to Viessa, including but not limited to, neighbors Marisol, Susan, and Manuel and their respective families. Additionally, Bess and long-term family friend Alex Herrera and family also provided extended love and caring compassion.

 Beyond her deeply cherished family, Viessa was a pillar of compassion and dedication in her community. For over 40 years, she served Los Angeles County as a devoted nurse, offering comfort, dignity, and healing to countless individuals. Her commitment to advocacy did not end with her retirement; she later served as the Senior Citizen Ombudsman for the City of Oceanside, fiercely championing the rights of her peers. Her tireless civic engagement earned her numerous accolades, and she was an active, beloved member of the Kiwanis Club especially, the Red Hatters, and various other community-based organizations.

Viessa possessed a beautifully artistic soul. She found immense joy in music and dancing, deeply appreciated the fine arts, and expressed her rich inner life through writing poetry. Yet, the true cornerstone of her century of life was her profound devotion to the Christian church and the gospel of Jesus Christ, which guided her every step, inspired her countless acts of kindness, and provided the foundation upon which she built her extraordinary family legacy.