Martha Pierce, 75, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in Los Angeles, Calif.

She was born to the union of the late Willie E. Pierce and Nellie B. (Holmes) Pierce on July 15, 1939, in Atmore.

Those who preceded her in death include her parents; grandparents, the Rev. Henry and Mary Holmes; brother, Tommy Pierce; sister-in-law, Ardie M. Pierce; aunts, Blundell Myles and Ruby Mae McCants; and one uncle, R. D. Holmes.

Martha accepted Christ at an early age at Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Church. Later she joined a Presbyterian church in Boston.

Martha graduated from Escambia County Training School in Atmore, in 1956. She was mentored by Dr. U. McBride and Mr. W. Grissett. Afterwards, she attended Knoxville College in Tennessee where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, she received her master’s degree in education from Boston University.

She pursued a career in education and taught school in Quincy, Mass., until retirement, and then moved to Los Angeles.

She loved her family and supported them in their endeavors. Martha traveled the world. She loved reading and mentoring young people. She was an avid tennis and Scrabble player during her social time. Also, she had a special love for animals.

She leaves to cherish her memory three brothers and two sisters, Walter Pierce of Atmore, Bessie Bryars of Los Angeles, Willie E. Pierce (Brenda) of Atlanta, Ga., Magdaleen Hill (Joseph) of Los Angeles, and Arthur Pierce (Twila) of Daphne; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Also, very good friends, Delores Furye, Pat Whitley Williams and Joyce Lloyd.

A memorial will be held on Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m., from the Greater Mount Triumph Baptist Church in Atmore.