Alberta Pierce

In Loving Memory of Alberta Elizabeth Pierce
September 11, 1942 – November 22, 2025
Alberta Elizabeth Pierce of Baltimore, Maryland, a woman defined by deep love, a strong spirit,
and unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born on September 11, 1942, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, Alberta was the only child born to the
union of the late Vermont Tisha Barnett (1923-1999) and Okley Harris (1924-2002). As a first-
generation Northerner, she carried a rich family heritage rooted in Virginia, tracing her lineage
back to Colonial America circa 1750, specifically to the Barnett and Kyle Plantations.

A Life of Creativity and Service
Raised in the close-knit, blue-collar community of Clairton-a town nicknamed "Little New
York" for its lively culture and prominence as a stop on the famed Chitlin' Circuit during
America's segregation era-Alberta developed an early love for creativity and community. In
high school, she was a natural scholar and dedicated student librarian. Her involvement in the
choir, Junior Red Cross, and Future Nurses club revealed a young woman of diverse talents
and a deep-seated desire to serve others. To her friends, she was affectionately known as
"Shortcake."
After graduating in 1961, Alberta moved to Philadelphia, where she met and married James
Armstrong. They welcomed two sons, Darrell and Derrick. Following their divorce, Alberta
courageously moved to Cleveland with her two young children, beginning a new chapter with
her second husband, Larry Pierce, with whom she was blessed with two more sons, Antoine and
Robert.

Her Enduring Legacy: Family
Alberta's greatest calling was her family. From the 1970s through the 1980s, her home was a
sanctuary, consistently open to relatives facing hardship. She offered a safe, stable, and non-
judgmental environment where they could rebuild their lives-a selflessness that stands as one of
her most enduring legacies. She shared an unbreakable bond with her mother, whom she
considered her best friend. An emotionally intelligent mother, Alberta nurtured a unique and
individual bond with each of her sons, a love reflected in the special nicknames they shared. To
Darrell she was simply "Mother", to Derrick she was "Mommie Dearest", to Antoine she was
"Bird", and to Robert, she was "Queen of Queens". She was also an intelligent woman, known
for her sharp memory, who worked tirelessly to provide for her boys.

A Creative Spirit and Woman of Faith
Alberta's creative spirit truly came alive with her graphics design company, Bee's Creations,
which she started in 1998. She had a gift for making people feel seen and loved, often spending
hours crafting the perfect poem, designing a personalized calendar, or creating a one-of-a-kind
greeting card for friends and family. This was her way of sharing a piece of her heart with the
world.
A devoted follower of Christ, Alberta found daily comfort and strength in studying her Bible.
She lived by a powerful creed she often shared: "Never forget to tell people you love them,
because you never know the day or hour in which you will be called." In the 1970s, she lifted
her voice in the choir at Tyree Temple Church of God and Christ. Beyond her creative work, she
dedicated several years working in healthcare at Highland View Hospital before a 20-year career
in retail, where she was known for her warmth and integrity.
In her leisure time, Alberta found enormous joy in the thrill of Bingo. For her, it was more than
just a game; it was a precious outing that combined her love of strategy, community, and the
simple act of decompressing and relaxing.
Preceded in Death
Alberta was preceded in death by her parents, Vermont Tisha Barnett (1923-1999) and Okley
Harris (1924-2002), as well as her siblings: Arnetta Haines (1949-2011), Thomas Haines
(1948-2007), and James Thomas (1952-2021).
Survivors
She is survived by her four loving sons, Darrell Armstrong, Derrick Armstrong, Antoine
Armstrong, and Robert Armstrong; eight grandchildren: Darrell Armstrong II, Antoine
Armstrong Jr., Tajuan Armstrong, Robert Bagley, Dionna Armstrong, Robin Bagley, and
Malaysia Armstrong, Antoinay Armstrong; a host of great-grandchildren; and countless
cherished family and friends.