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Rita Pierson Obituary
Rita accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. She was a founding member of the Brookhollow Baptist Church. She moved her membership to Christian Congregational Church to join her husband, Rev. Clarence Pierson, in ministry. She remained a faithful servant there, gracing each service with song until her untimely death.
Rita was absolutely devoted to loved ones, particularly her sons Carlo Akil, Kelby Dumont and her daughter, Kristin Benaye. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, Parker Camille, Maddox Ivey and Marissa Ivey.
In 1969, Rita graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where she was crowned Miss Washington for the 1968 - 1969 school year. She pursued higher education on a full scholarship at Elmhurst College in Chicago, Illinois and graduated at the top of her class in 1972. After beginning her teaching career, Rita embarked upon her quest for advanced professional education. She received her Masters of Education and Doctorate of Education from Texas Southern University.
Dr. Pierson received countless honors and prestigious recognition and awards for her contributions in education. Most recently she was recognized for sharing her expertise on the PBS production of TED Talks. The ABC television news magazine, 20/20 reported, "Educator Rita F. Pierson talks about the bond that is missing between educators and students". It was viewed and modeled for educators as far away as New Zealand. Over one million online viewers watched the 2013 TED Talks.
Rita was set to serve as Waco Independent School District's Chief Administrative Officer of Community and Family Outreach beginning in the fall of 2013. The position would have placed Dr. Pierson at the helm of a community-wide
anti-poverty initiative.
Rita possessed a keen sense of observation and rare ability to accept and respect people for who they were. She never met a stranger and her infectious humor touched all with whom she came in contact. Rita was a nationally renowned public speaker and led hundreds of workshops for aha! Process since 1997. She was a published author, avid reader, car enthusiast and a true humanitarian.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Brookhollow Baptist Church, The Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Blvd., Houston, TX 77084. Rev. Dr. Ralph Douglas West, Pastor/Founder, officiating. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Rita's favorite children's charity, Communities in Schools of Houston, 1235 North Loop West, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77008.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Pierson
Gail Russell
August 26, 2025
I remember the very first time I heard her speak on TED Talks, I fell in love with the way she talked about caring for the kids, and making them believe in themselves. My Condolences to her family and all that knew and loved her.
Dr. Stephen Williams
July 27, 2025
I am still inspired by you. What a legacy!
Tina
October 9, 2024
God rest her beautiful soul.
Sajida Khalfan-Bandali
August 24, 2024
Every time I watch her Ted talk, I cry, every time! Her words and her delivery were exquisite. A real blessing from God.
CM
June 21, 2024
My true teacher mentor. Mrs. Pierson made me realize something about teaching that college does not teach or prepare you for, something so much bigger than that. She made a tremendous impact on my teaching career and inspired me to make those student connections. I can´t even begin to express how rewarding that felt. I still tear up to this day watching her videos and wished I could have told her in person how much her words meant to me.
It´s been a few years since her passing and although I no longer teach, I am proud to say that my daughter has decided to follow in my footsteps. First words of advice I had for her, Rita Pierson, her words will change your life and help you teach with real passion and purpose.
Thank you Rita, you will never be forgotten, and will always have a very special place in my heart. CM
Sandi
March 15, 2024
Thank You I remain inspired by you and your work. I Thank You for your contribution to humanity, education and the lives of other individuals such as myself that went on to teach children and young people
With Endless Gratitude and Love
Sonia Holt-Holliday
October 7, 2023
Dr. Pierson, I THANK YOU WHOLEHEARTEDLY for ALL you did. I am appreciative beyond description. You inspired me to teach AND LOVE ALL CHILDREN. Thank God for allowing us to have you.
Freda C. Nady
April 8, 2023
Freda C. Nady
April 8, 2023
Freda C. Nady
April 8, 2023
Freda C. Nady
April 8, 2023
Hello, I'm Freda, a 1/3 member of my Rita Pierson Study Grp. "FredaRitaRuth"
Was The Name The Other Students Gave Us Bc They'd Always See The 3 Of Us 2gether! We were College Friends Who Had Banned 2gether 2 Form A Speech o&o Hearing Pathology Study Group|Rita was Verry Smarto She Kept Us Laughing When We Were Learning About The Eardrum In Our Ears & The Sinuses In Our Noses!| "We've Got This...Now Let's Move On"|Then, She'd Break Out Into A Song "Hallelujah!"
Many Of You May Not This, But Rita Could SING 2! She Had A Beautiful Soprano Voice| Rita's Singing Is Only A Part Of Her LifeStylecThat I'll 4ever Carry In My Heart ...
I Loved 2 Hear Rita SING! R.I.C. Rita, We'll Always Remember How YOU Made US Feel Also| As A Teacher, YOU Were OUR Role Model Champion As Well!
From Your BridesmaidSisterFriend >Freda A. Collins| I'll Always Have "The Greatest Love" 4 You!
David-Goerge Newsome
September 21, 2022
"Big girls don't do stairs, David-George." Those were the words Dr. Rita Pierson spoke to me when we arrived at the venue for her presentation after she repeatedly told me not to have a stage with stairs. I promise you I told them not to put one up! Oh did we laugh.....of course, that is the first thing she said to the entire audience when she got started with her absolutely thrilling all-day presentation to educators.
To say that I was one of Dr. Pierson's biggest fans would be an understatement. Her message of "Every child deserves a champion," ends every email that I write. Just today, I played for our Chief Operating Officer her TedTalk and several of her, "Rita's Stories," especially the one about the two sets of rules.
It is incredible to think that we are nearing 10 years since she has gone from labor to reward......what a great loss for us and tremendous gain for Heaven.
I have, and continue, to pray for her family as the mourn her loss. We definitely need more Dr. Pierson's in our world.....you bet we do!
Much love, honor and respect.
David-George Newsome
Paula
September 4, 2022
I remember watching her at a teacher´s meeting on Ted Talk. She was truly inspiring!
Sarah
August 23, 2022
I loved the work you did, you cared for other people and not yourself Great work.
Karla L. Tompkins
April 25, 2022
I'm a registered nurse and a former high school teacher. I'm sitting here on the night shift watching TED talks and stumbled upon this great inspiration , Dr. Rita Pierson! WOW! Just wow! I wish I had heard her voice years ago. I gave up thinking I couldn't make a difference. Now I know that it's not because I couldn't, it was because I did have the right guidance to show me HOW to make a difference. May you rest in peace Dr. Pierson. I know that your light will continue to shine because you have set aflame a whole lot of souls!
Viviana Claus
May 10, 2021
Thank you for your insight and stories and for your inspiration. Your TED Talk and Aha! Process have shaped me as a teacher. You were a light in the world and your words will impact, influence, and inspire many generations of teachers to come. Thank you so much for being such an amazing person and loving your kids so much. I only wish I could have known you in person.
Susan LaPointe
March 22, 2021
I've only recently discovered Dr. Pierson's TED talks in which she discusses some common sense approaches to teaching which are far too uncommon in today's culture. I am sad to see that she has passed. I am one of those teachers that she speaks of in "Every Child Needs a Champion" where she discusses the power of giving a child someone that will never give up on them. When we get an especially difficult child who transfers, our assistant principal always suggests that that student be placed with me. He then calls me and tells me that the student may need "an extra shot of love." I would love to have shared some of my success stories with Dr. Pierson, and let her know that her words did not fall on deaf ears. In many ways, with me, she was preaching to the choir--affirming what I've always known. It was good to hear it from such a delightful soul.
Karen Jackson
February 18, 2021
Awesome young lady. Wish I could have met her. RIP
Catherine
February 6, 2021
Thank you for your inspiring and impactful TED Talk, you have made me a better educator. Rest in peace Dr. Pierson.
December 23, 2020
Thank you, your TED talk inspires me every time I watch it.
Krisstina Wilson
October 30, 2020
Feel love and be loved. And know that you are loved in God's graceful arms.
David Ericson
September 30, 2020
Thank you for sharing your life and experiences with us. I am now reaching for my Master's and shared your TED Talk with everyone in my class. I hope they too can be blessed by your teachings. You are still here in spirit.
Whitney
September 12, 2020
As a black educator, I have revisited Mrs. Pierson' TED Talk multiple times throughout my career. I aspire to be an educator as impactful as she was. May she rest in heavenly peace.
Portia Alford
August 21, 2020
I was first introduced to Rita's Ted talk at a back to school Staff Meeting a few years ago. Ever since that meeting, I think of her words to keep me motivated so that I can be that teacher that students can build a relationship with. My "shero" lives on in the hearts of those who she touched!! ❤❤❤
Carolyn Thomas
September 20, 2019
To the Pierson Family - Ms. Rita shall never be forgotten!
Michelle Johnson
August 8, 2013
To Clarence Pierson and Family:
My name is Michelle Johnson, the Goddaughter of Mrs. Tommye and Mr. Clarence George. The daughter of Mrs. Oscar Marie Bell Johnson and the niece of Mrs. Gladys Lee Bell Dawson (known as the Bell Twins). I'm just learning of Rita's passing. I also learned off her mother's passing just a few months ago as well. Through my years of growing up and visiting Aunt Tommye and Uncle Clarence, I always enjoyed being around Rita and Hazel. You and your family have my deepest condolences. God Bless. [email protected]
THE BELL TWINS
Mrs. Oscar Marie Bell Johnson
1932-2009
Mrs. Gladys Lee Bell Dawson
1932-2011
Rhonda Fulton-Keitt
July 15, 2013
To Rev. Clarence Pierson and Family -
Our prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. It was a joy knowing Rita and being touched by her contagious smile!! Memories of her will forever be with me!! Know that you are not alone; God has you surrounded!!!
Frankie Johnson
July 14, 2013
Your words of wisdom will always ring clearly in my ears forever. A great teacher has gone to heaven,I thank God for allowing you to touch the lives of others who will touch the lives of the future.
josephine day walker
July 13, 2013
to the family of rita pierson you have our deepest sympathy.weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning. trust god
Frederick & Cheryl Pierson
July 12, 2013
To Clarence and the children, you are not alone during your time of sorrow. We are praying for your comfort and will be here if you need us. Rita will be missed by many but certainly not forgotten. We love you guys.
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