Life’s Journey
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
On the early morning of July 6, 2022, Mother Queenell Knox Pierce answered the gentle call of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well done, my good and faithful servant.
The Legacy Begins
She was the eldest child of 13, born to Willie Lee and Henrietta Knox (both now deceased) on January 30, 1930, in Wheeler County. She was a phenomenal woman who had a heart of gold that exemplified her Christian belief through her character, conduct, and conversation.
Although she only completed the 8th grade, she graduated from the school of life with the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude. She was wise beyond her years; she would impart her wisdom to anyone she encountered. She was a repository of knowledge and resources. She was known for her home-grown platitudes, such as “God Bless the Child that has his own”; “It’s better to be asked up than asked down”; “Let your words be tender so when they come back you won’t have to chew so hard.”
At an early age, she was introduced to her first love, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Free Run Baptist Church. Later, when her parents relocated to Jeff Davis County, she joined Elizabeth Baptist Church.
Shortly thereafter, she met and married her soulmate, Grady Lee Pierce, after which she followed him and became a faithful member of St. James A.M.C. Although she was a member of St. James, whenever her church was not having services, she would fellowship with the other congregations throughout the community. She also enjoyed showing support to the Tri-County Community Choir when they hosted their annual choir anniversary. She was an active and dutiful member of St. James until her health would not allow her to attend.
Family first was her philosophy; she did not enter the workforce until her children were of school age. She had a very diversified work portfolio that helped shape her character; it ranged from domestic to manufacturing. She retired after 18 years of service from Amoco Fabric (Hazlehurst Mills) as a Yarn Packer in Excursion.
Timeless Love
She fell in love and married her soulmate, Grady Lee Pierce, on June 15, 1946. They were blessed to be wed for 65 glorious years. From this union of love and adoration six children were conceived: Dolly (Aaron) Hicks, Donald Pierce, Rietta Handsome, Dr. Lenton Pierce, Starsilveneious (Franklin, Sr.) Conaway, and Calvin Lee Pierce. Because of their kindness and generosity, a special son, Elder Eddie Harmon, and two surrogates, Cassandra Handsome and Melody Pierce, were added to the family.
This union also garnered 14 grandchildren: Geraline Handsome, Valentino Handsome, Rufus (Sharon) Handsome III, Cassandra Handsome, Prophet Ronald (Terica) Handsome, Willie (Tisha) Handsome, Angela Hicks, Dr. Alisha (Kelvin) Pendleton, Tammy Roundtree, Donna Pierce, LaDonald Pierce, Melody Pierce (lovingly called Lady), and Franklin Conaway, Jr.; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and one Fur-Baby, Samuel Raphael Pierce “Ralph”.
Ripple In Time
She was preceded in death by the following relatives: husband, Grady Lee Pierce; father, Willie Lee Knox; mother, Henrietta Knox; grandson, Dr. Joseph D Handsome; and siblings: E-Joseph Knox; Curtis Knox; Carrie K. Young; Ira Lee Knox; Robert Knox, Sr.; Sherman Knox; Christine Turner; Josie Lee Jackson; Pearline K. Reed; Carrie Tobler (grandmother); and Henrietta Cason (great-grandmother).
Cherished Memories
She leaves behind to cherish and reflect on her memories the following: siblings: Willie C. (Dorothy) Knox, Benjamin (Mary/Peggy) Knox, and Genether Ellis; brother-in-law, Thomas Knox, Jr.; and aunt, Elizabeth Knox.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at King Brothers Funeral Home in Hazlehurst, Georgia.
Her funeral will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 1 p.m., at Bennett Tabernacle Holiness Church in Hazlehurst. Interment is immediately following at Hazlehurst Memorial Cemetery in Hazlehurst.
Services are entrusted to King Brothers Funeral Home of Hazlehurst, Georgia.
www.kingbrothersfh.com
