Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Lillian Ruth Cook Pierce, affectionately known as “Nana,” was born on March 1, 1930, to John E. Cook, Sr. And Bertha L. Wilkerson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She gracefully went home to be with the Lord on October 2, 2024. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend known for her warm, witty personality and compassionate heart.
At an early age, Lillian was baptized and received Christ at Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Later in the 1970’s she relocated to Yorktown, Virginia and joined Shiloh Baptist Church where she was a faithful and active member serving on the missionary board and in the choir. At Shiloh, she was given the nickname “Spicy” by Pastor Barbara Lemon.
Lillian was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System. She graduated high school with honors and was an exclusive member of the Debutantes Club, where she gained her love of fashion. She was a profound lover of music, singing soprano in many choirs. Lillian also loved to dance. She enjoyed music of many genres, dancing up to the age of 94 at social events.
In 1950, Lillian joined in Matrimony with Mitchell O. Lucas. This union was blessed with one child Michael Bruce Lucas. In 1973, she joined in Matrimony with Alfred L. Pierce.
Lillian’s passion for sewing started at Rosalee’s Garment Factory where she dedicated most of her career spanning thirty years. She became supervisor of the seamstresses at the factory. Often called upon privately to make garments for others, sparked her entrepreneurial spirit which led to her becoming a business owner with her late husband, Alfred. They owned a laundromat and real estate which allowed her to retire at an early age.
Lillian is preceded in death by her late husband Alfred Pierce; her parents; and five siblings, John E. Cook, Jr., McCoy Mac Cook, Dewey Cook, Alberta Cook, and Richard Melvin Cook.
Lillian is survived by her son Michael B. Lucas (Mary); a loving granddaughter, Sonya Settles (Arnold) and two devoted great-grandsons, Kaleb and Kyler, and great-granddaughter Savonne; grandson Eric White and his son; grandson Mikal Lucas (Samirah) and seven children; a loving & devoted niece, Shirley Parks and her son and three daughters; many cousins; and a host of other nieces/great-nieces and nephews/great nephews whom she loved dearly and many loving friends from Shiloh Baptist Church.
