Loretta Pierce Brandao

There is much to be thankful for when we think about the 97 years of Loretta’s life. We should take pause and be grateful for our unique experiences, silly stories & milestone moments shared with her. While the misty fog of dementia obscured her memories towards the end, it certainly never put a dent in her indomitable spirit.

Loretta Pierce Brandao was born on May 24,1927 to Vyna Byrd Pierce and Galan Pierce, in Arcadia, Louisiana. She passed away peacefully, at her home in Shreveport, on November 3, 2024. Always proud to tell you about her childhood, Loretta cherished her time in Arcadia. It was there that she enjoyed being outside, running track and also where she found her deep love for the game of basketball. Loretta married Loyola Hubert “Hub” Brandao and they had four children. Each of her children were talented and headstrong; Loretta was always supportive and tried to nurture their talents. If any of them had a game, activity, or event, she was always there. All four became successful in their chosen fields and she was so proud. Loretta was fiercely independent. Much more than a homemaker and a mother, she was a provider…and a good one. Loretta worked hard and took pride in her office managerial skills and earned immense respect from her employers.

She became a Grandmother in 1983, but the typical Grandma names were not to her liking. She simply wanted to be called “Loretta.” Loretta evolved to “Retta” and finally “Rella”, perhaps her favorite role in life. Rella spoiled her “grand girls” with all their favorite snacks after school and at sleepovers. Topping the list: coke floats, cheese toast with sweet tea and blue bell vanilla whipped up and served up with a “shovel”. Rella loved children, especially babies. Some of her best moments in later years came when visiting her great-grandchildren. She reveled in their photographs, cards & crafts made by them. Also making the best moments list: anytime she got to have a slice of Strawn’s strawberry pie. It was always the simple things that made her happiest. She was a go-getter, a fighter from start to finish. Her words always packed a punch and everyone loved her for it. If they didn’t, she didn’t really mind.

Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Galan Pierce, and son Curt Lance Brandao. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Glenda Georgette Gertson, sons Timothy Bruce Brandao (Terri), Christopher Shawn Brandao, granddaughters Tiffany Brandao Crews (Russell) & Tara Brandao Sullivan (John Magruder) great-grandchildren Wilma Scarlett Sullivan, Spencer Brando Crews, Amelia Ann Crews & Mamie Lou Sullivan, and nephew, Randall Pierce.

It is said that you never really die until the last time you’re spoken of. In this case, Loretta may be gone, but she will never die because the stories and memories we have will never cease to be told. Graveside services for Loretta Pierce Brandao, 97, will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Hurricane Cemetery, Hwy. 519 in Arcadia, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Tommy Davidson.