Janella Pierce

Published 2:18 pm Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Janella Otzenberger Pierce, a resident of Sun, passed away on May 25, 2019, at the age of 86. She was born on Sept. 27, 1932, in Bogalusa.

She was this woman of small stature that seemed to be in constant motion. Whether working in her numerous flower gardens, moving her various plants in and out of her house, serving with her beloved church family, or caring for her natural family in all capacities, she never seemed to tire. She thrived on activity and loved caring for others. Her heart was so much larger than the frame in which it was enclosed. In her later life she was recognized as the little lady who was a snappy dresser and enjoyed wearing all kinds of hats.

Janella is survived by her children, Belinda Kent (Burton) Edwards of Anacoco, Robert Pierce Jr. (Nancy) of Ruston, and Bonny (Mike) Thompson of Rio Communities, N.M.; grandchildren, Lauren Renee Lowry, Christina Anne Russell, Sarah Watts, Adam Kent, Casey Jean Cason, Clark Pierce and Jackson Pierce; great-grandchildren, Emily McDuffie, Taylor McDuffie, Alexis Mapes, Austin Mapes and Julianne Kent; very special cousins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. By most she was known as “Gran” and “Aunt Nella” … and in a very real sense, they became part of her extended family.

Ms. Pierce was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Pierce Sr.; her parents, John W. Otzenberger Sr. and Zula T. Thomas; and her siblings, Roger Dale Otzenberger Sr. and John William “J.W.” Otzenberger Jr.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Saturday, June 1, from noon until the service time of 2 p.m. The Rev. Stan Salassi and the Rev. Alan Lorio will officiate the service and interment will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church Cemetery.

To view and sign the guestbook, visit online at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.