"And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9

LaRita's Journey… Her Story

LaRita was born on December16, 1972 in Suffolk, VA to the late Herman and Ethel Pierce. She was the third blessing to the family, loved and spoiled.

At the Master's call on October 20, 2017, LaRita T. Pierce at the age of 44 begun her heavenly journey with the angels singing and shouting. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was an active member of First Baptist Church Dendron, Virginia.

LaRita was educated in Surry County Public School system where she was a Marching Cougar and graduate of the Class of 1990. LaRita decided to further her education at the former St Paul College to earn a Bachelor's Degree. She had plans to go back to get her Master's in Education.

LaRita, affectionately called "Rita" by most of her family and friends adored all the children she worked with in her various roles. Rita possessed a jovial spirit of giving, and helping others. If Rita couldn't help you, she certainly wouldn't do anything to hurt you. She adored people and believed that to have friends, you had to show yourself friendly… and that was her style. Rita greeted everyone with a smile and hug. She enjoyed shopping, wearing her bulky jewelry, had to have her lip gloss and sunglasses so she could be as only she would say.... "I'm cute though."

Although these things gave her joy nothing filled her heart more than her daughter and son.
It's something about a Mother's love that's never ending and that's what she possessed for LaRita and Xavier. Oh, but God, as she would say, that did not end on October 20th because her children carry that in their hearts.

LaRita was a very hard, dedicated, and working young lady; enjoyed working. She was a cashier with 7-eleven for many years, and then her love for children led her to The Improvement Association as a Head Start Teacher for 19 years. She was a Classy Coach and a Mentor to other Teachers and Staff. Rita had some extra time in her day, so she decided to become an employee of Surry County Public Schools as a Bus Driver for 12 years. Rita looked forward to summers off so that she could work for Surry County Parks &Recreation as Bus Driver and Aide for the Summer Camp program. Rita realized she had some time available between her many other jobs to seek employment with Jakafi Behavioral Care Center of Emporia Virginia and The Jireh House, LLC of Waverly, Virginia as a Behavioral Aide.

Rita found time to serve her community as Former Council member for the Town of Dendron for two terms. Her love for children and families lead her to serve on Surry County Office on Youth.
Rita felt she was not doing enough for children and families so her desire was to become a Foster Mother for children many, many, many children!

LaRita's precious memory will forever be treasured by her loving daughter, LaRita N. Lawrence, a loving son Xavier Montay Holloman, one brother Drexel Pierce, Sr. (Melissa) of Smithfield, VA, two loving sisters, Tammy T. Pierce of Dendron, VA and Shaton Williams(Gerrick) of Clarksville, TN, Godmother Linda Bailey-Jones of Surry, VA, Godbrother Rodney Bailey of Surry, VA, two nephews Drexel Jr. "DJ" and Christopher, six nieces Fredria " Promise", Konesha, GerriYanah, Sha'myah, Daijah and Aaliyah, two great nephews Tramine and Chance, one Goddaughter Akeylah, seven wonderful aunts Helen Pierce of Williamsburg, VA, Dorothy Rose of Dendron, VA, Joyce Walter of Surry, VA, Hazel Johnson of Norfolk, VA, Hope Wilkins of Waverly, VA, and Harriett Ham (Gary) of New York, two uncles Harvey Pierce of Va Beach, VA and Harry Pierce (Cathy) of Atlanta, GA. Her devoted friends Earnest Brown (Gator) of Surry, VA, Brian Brown (Pop) of Dendron, VA, (Golden Girls) Lenora Thomas, Jackie Ricks, Frances Randolph, and Valorie Palmer all of Surry, VA and Tammy Davis of Waverly, VA and many other cousins and friends. Our lives have been richly Blessed because of LaRita T. Pierce.

Public viewing for Ms. Pierce will be Noon to 6:00pm, Thursday, October 26, 2017 and 10:00am-3:00pm Friday, October 27, 2017 at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, VA. The Wake will be 5:00pm -6:00pm at First Baptist Church, Dendron, VA, Friday, October 27, 2017.

Funeral Service for Ms. Pierce will be 2:00pm Saturday, October 28, 2017 at First Baptist Church, Dendron, VA, Rev Michael Thomas Sr., Pastor. Interment will follow at Johnson Family Cemetery, Dendron, VA.