HER STORY
A Life Well Lived
Gloria Denell Pierce or Glo as she was affectionately known, was born on June
1,1958, in Miami, Florida, to the late Roy and Bessie Pierce.
A Life Dedicated to Education
Gloria was highly-educated, she began her career as an educator in the Miami-Dade
County Public School System. She graduated from Miami High Sr. High School
(Home of the Stingaree) in 1976 and taught in various schools throughout her
career: including Floral Heights Elementary, Charles R. Drew Elementary, and
Riverside Elementary as an elementary school and special education teacher. In
2002, she decided to pursue higher education and enrolled in Florida Memorial
University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Education on July 21, 2007.
Gloria was also passionate about tutoring and provided valuable services at the
Belafonte Tacolcy Center's after-school program, as well as on weekends at her
home. She had a special love for children, not only did she teach them, she nurtured
them as though they were her own.
Inspiring Words from Gloria: "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste"
Gloria imparted this timeless phrase on her family and students: "A mind is a terrible
thing to waste, if you don't use it you will most certainly lose it!"
Gloria enjoyed spending time with family and friends, parties, Dunkin Donuts, and
Benson Hedges Menthol. Her leisure activities included playing solitaire or free cell
on her computer. Glo was a ray of sunshine to those she came in contact with.
On January 21, 2024, the Lord called upon Gloria and transitioned her to her final
resting place. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Bessie Pierce, and her
siblings: Willie Ruth Spikes, Hebert Miller (Carolyn Miller), Willie Pierce, George
Pierce, Mary Pierce, Ozzie Pierce and Ricky Pierce.
Gloria leaves to cherish her memory 5 loving children Tarakeisha Pierce, Tyquanne
Pierce, Michael Adell, Sha'Kevia Adell (Jayson Allen), Donniesha Adell and Quatika
James. Her grandchildren Daisy Lopez, Ashanti Roundtree, Devin Wilson, Dior
Holloman, Shaloria Lopez, Brooke Blackman, Demetrices Blackman Jr., John Ezell
V. and David Young.
Siblings Bessie Pierce, Bernadette Deriso, Cynthia Brown (Derek Brown), Cecilia
Pierce and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.