Annie Rheta Gray Pierre

A Service of Worship & Thanksgiving For the Late

Annie Rheta Deaconess

Gray Pierre Su nrise March 12, 1938

Su nset Au gu st 19, 2014

Beecher Memorial United Church of Christ 1914 N. Miro Street New Orleans, LA 70117 Pastor Brenda Square, Officiant

Her Story Annie Rheta Gray Pierre was born in Natchez, Mississippi on March 12, 1938 to the late James Brown and Nancy Johnson.

She passed peacefully in her sleep and ascended to Glory to meet her Holy Father on Tuesday, August 19, 2014. Her life was marked by humility, service, and the love of Christ. She was 76 years old.

She was united in holy matrimony to Ferdinand Pierre Sr. on June 29, 1967 and bore two children from this union, Ferdinand Pierre Jr. and Nancy M. Pierre Weathersby. She also was a devoted mother to Shelia B. Ruffin.

She valued education and hard work to support her family. After completing her studies at Joseph S. Clark high school, Straight Business School and St. Mary’s Dominican College, she was employed as a secretary for the United States Coast Guard for 28 years until her retirement. She was a woman of many other roles and titles as well: Parent Teacher Association volunteer for the Orleans Parish School Board; Orleans Parish Department of Elections and Registration staff; bookstore clerk at the University of New Orleans; and bookkeeper at Jacques-Imos.

Her greatest contribution was her commitment to the Lord. She was a member of Beecher Memorial Baptist church for many years where she served on the executive council and deacon board. She also provided support as a secretary and Sunday school teacher. She was formally ordained a deacon on January 5, 2014 and exemplified the character and integrity of a righteous servant.

Her legacy lives on through her family: Nancy Johnson, mother; Shelia B. Ruffin, daughter; Ferdinand Pierre Jr., son; Nancy M. Pierre Weathersby (Irvin Sr.), daughter; Terri Lynn Gerhauser (Stephen), sister; her grandchildren: Gil (Myesha), Keisa (Bandele), Irvin Jr., Ranard (Tina), Anthony, and Ferdinand; her great-grandchildren: Kenneth, Terrence, Gabrielle, Robert, Daisha, Josilyn, Bailee, Juliana, Izabella, Angelo, Nadiyah, and Taja. She is survived by a host of other relatives and friends. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. Those who knew her well recall her familiar greeting, “Come on, let me get my sugar,” she would say as she leaned in to kiss you. “You know when I get busy, I’m liable to forget.”

She was preceded in death by her father, James Brown; husband of 50 years, Ferdinand Pierre Sr.; son, George Darrell Brown; sister, Myrna Oliver; grandson, Joshua Brown; and aunt, Agnes B. Guyton.

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”

-John 11:25-26

Order of Service Wednesday, August 27, 2014 * 11:00 a.m.

Musical Prelude Processional Ministers & Family Call to Worship ………………………………………………………..…………….. Praise Team Invocation …………………………………………………….……... Pastor Gwendolyn Smith Scripture Reading ……………………………………………………………………………………………..Keisa Alexander Old Testament Psalm 19:10

New Testament Luke 6:30-31

Solo ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Sister Consuella Lumas

Poem/Letter ………………………………………………………………………………….... Sister Terri Lynn Gerhauser Gil Bell, Jr.

Tribute …………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..Deacon Board Obituary & Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………. Sister Paulette Larkins Words of Expression ………………………………………………………………………….. Sister Victorine Matthews Solo ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Sister Krishelle Landers Eulogy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Dr. Jeffrey Q. Friend Pastor, Suburban Baptist Church New Orleans & Mechanicsville Emmanuel Baptist Church, Houma, LA Solo ………………………………………………………………………………………………………....... Sister Danielle Wills Words of Comfort ………………………………. Visiting Ministers ,……………………………… (2 Minutes Please) Words of Encouragement from The Church Family Parting View ……………………………………………………………………….. Little John Funeral Home in Charge Benediction / Recessional

My Dear Sister My Dear Sister, we were born so many years apart, however, I was excited to spend time with you And we always had a close relationship: oldest watching out for youngest, youngest admiring oldest As two sisters do, loving from heart to heart.

You taught me how to smile and laugh through the tough days.

How to dress, be poised and carry myself like a lady in a lot of ways.

You were respectful to our mother Something I didn’t always accomplish Everyone who knew you two, Would value your friendship.

As I look around I say something is missing I have a lot, but one thing less I will never hear you answer the phone‌ Hello, hello, hello!

Well, hi dear sister How are you today?

Which will always break my heart So to this I say, God Bless!

By: Terri Lynn Gerhauser

Active Pallbearers Gil Bell, Jr. Irvin Weathersby Christopher Mikell

Bandele Alexander Anthony Weathersby Ranard Bell

Honorary Pallbearers Ferdinand Pierre, Jr. Wesley Johnson Edward Green Stephen Gerhauser Jamal Dawson Rene Oliver Ivan Wills

With Gratitude & Love The Pierre Family wishes to express sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many acts of love and kindness extended to our family. We have been blessed through your prayers, cards, flowers, telephone calls, prepared food and your presence. We thank you for your support.

Arrangements Little John Funeral Home 2163 Aubry Street.

New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 940-0045

A “Special Thanks� is extended to the Beecher Memorial family for their care, comfort and concern of our loved one. We also acknowledge with sincere gratefulness, Christine Garrett and Dr. Jeffrey Q. Friend Sincerely, The Pierre Family

Internment

Repast

Mount Olivet Cemetery New Orleans, LA

Beecher Memorial United Church of Christ Hall 1914 N. Miro St. @ 1:00pm

Design & Printing by Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 or (504) 338-8753