NORA LEE PIERRE Obituary (2016) - Gramercy, Louisiana

Mother + Wife + Grand Educator + Activist + Faithful Servant Inspirational trail-blazer Nora Allen Pierre joined the angels of Heaven on December 25, 2016 at 3:47 p.m. surrounded by her devoted family and adoring husband. Mrs. Pierre's life began in Wallace, Louisiana born to her loving parents, Pearl Bastian and Thomas Allen. Mrs. Pierre was raised in the Wallace community where her devotion to God and Mother Mary were first introduced. Her grand-father, Emile "Pop" Bastian, instilled the trademark pride, elegance and intellect Mrs. Pierre would be known for throughout her life. As a young lady, she met the love of her life, Warren R. Pierre, I. They married on October 5, 1962. During their marriage, they bore five children: the loveliest Colette Pierre Anderson, Trisha Pierre Cubit (Ernest), Warren R. Pierre, II, Atoundra Pierre Lawson (Reginald) and Emile Pierre (Nakeisha). They also helped raise three others: Pamella Watson Comminie (Ronald), Donnalyn Haydel McCall (Sherman) and Lowell Bastian, II. Mrs. Pierre's greatest peace came from her devotion to Mother Mary, but her greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren. Her seeds of faith, love, commitment and an unrelenting quest for knowledge have been bestowed upon the eleven grandchildren in whom she delighted: Destani Comminie, Ty Forman, William Cubit, Taylor Cubit, Mea Anderson, Ashlyn Boyd, Dillon Cubit, Douglas Lawson, Deacon Lawson, Emile Pierre, II and Chase Pierre. Although her greatest accomplishment, from her perspective, was her children, her career as an educator and community activist was filled with momentous accomplishments. Mrs. Pierre was the founder of St. John the Baptist Parish's Honor Roll Round-Up, an annual event honoring hundreds of students in St. John Parish for their pursuit of excellence. In her leadership roles as vice principal and principal, she served many schools within the parish, but most treasured her tenure as founding principal of Garyville Magnet School in Garyville and as a long time administrator of West St. John High School located in her beloved Edgard, La. She touched the lives of countless young people always encouraging a commitment to integrity, personal growth and education. Her work extended beyond the school walls as her philanthropy and devotion to helping the poor included endless hours working with impoverished youth through the Caritas Religious Center in Abita Springs, Louisiana. As part of her commitment to teaching others, she would bus groups of teenage youth from Edgard to Abita Springs to teach reading to low-income children living in public housing. Reaching even further to help, she traveled to Guatemala in her work to help the poor where she founded a scholarship for local youth. Mrs. Pierre was ardently committed to improving the lives of others and served in many key positions throughout her life where she, along with her husband, Warren, "tried to make a difference." Mrs. Pierre's remarkable life also included participation in historical events as she attended the funeral service of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and inauguration of President Barak Obama. Most recently, Mrs. Pierre served on the St. John Parish Economic Development Committee where she helped to create the St. John Parish Creole Market. With abiding faith in Mother Mary and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mrs. Pierre engaged numerous citizens of Edgard in monthly rosaries to pray for the well-being and prosperity of the community, her country and the world. She is preceded in the glorious return to the Lord by her parents; brothers- Lowell Bastian, Sr., Alexander Allen, Sr. and Thomas Allen, Jr.; and, sister- Priscilla "Merc" Allen Haydel. Her legacy is carried forth by the loved ones she leaves behind including her children; grandchildren; nieces; nephews; friends; sisters: Marion Allen Bailey, Leona Allen Dennis, Mae Belle Allen Harris; her brother, Washington Allen; and their spouses. She also leaves behind her "brothers" through the union with her cherished and respected, Warren: James Pierre (Katherine) and Darrell Pierre (Jennifer). One of Ms. Pierre's prayers as she left this earthly realm, filled with gratitude and peace, was that all endeavor to "follow Mary, allow her to lead and guide you." A gathering of friends and family will be held at Treasures of Life Center for Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Highway, Gramercy, La 70052 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 26, 2016. A mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 for 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2349 La 18, Edgard, La. 70049. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. Recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Father Robustiano Morgia, celebrant. Entombment church mausoleum. Treasures of Life Center for Life Funeral Services have been entrusted with the arrangements of her final care. "When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE".