Maynard R Pierce

Maynard Rodney Pierce, 68, Bridgeton High School’s first black starting varsity quarterback passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 surrounded by his wife and two daughters when God called him to Heaven. Maynard was born February 1, 1957, in Bridgeton, NJ to Maynard P. Pierce and the late Betty (Jackson) Pierce. “Little Maynard” as he was affectionately known by his close family members, was a devoted husband, caring father, loving son, protective brother, and loyal friend. Raised in Gouldtown, NJ, Maynard fell in love with baseball when he picked up his first baseball bat at the age of four. A Bridgeton High School Class of 1975 graduate and all-star athlete, Maynard played varsity football, baseball, and wrestling. A natural athlete with competitive drive, he became Bridgeton High School’s first black starting varsity quarterback during the 1974-1975 season. He also played the position of safety making him a dual threat both offensively and defensively on the football field. Maynard was also a dominant baseball player, receiving many awards and recognitions for his performance on the baseball field including Best All Around Player. With a high school batting average of .351, Maynard batted 3rd and played short-stop. Heavily influenced by the upbringing of his mother Betty and father Maynard, he was a class act both on and off the field and knew the importance of furthering his education. After high school, Maynard attended Baker University of Kansas on a full athletic scholarship for both football and baseball. He received the Leading Hitter Award for the 1977-1978 season. He joined the Rho Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated in Spring of 1978 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. During his senior year of college, Maynard was drafted into the minor league baseball system for the LA Dodgers’ minor league baseball team. Post playing professional baseball, Maynard worked for Cumberland County Board of Social Services for 28 years before retiring in 2008. During retirement, Maynard loved being active on the baseball field and spent a lot of his time umpiring for little league baseball teams. He also loved cooking (especially with a kick of spiciness!), barbequing, music (especially James Brown and Marvin Gaye), dancing, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles football games, 76er’s basketball, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Most importantly, Maynard absolutely loved spending quality time with his wife, two daughters and father. He loved taking family vacations especially routine trips to North Carolina to visit his dad who he loved to emulate. Maynard is preceded in death by his Mother - Betty (Jackson) Pierce; Brother - Ricky Pierce; Aunt - Andrea (Jackson) Johnson; and Mother in Law - Olivia (Mason) Robinson. He leaves to cherish his love and memories: Wife of 40 years - Diedre Pierce; Two Daughters - Sheena Pierce and Ciara Pierce; Father - Maynard P. Pierce; Sister - Valerie Brown; One Maternal Aunt - Janet Jackson (his “Auntae”); His favorite “cuz” who was also like a sister - Michele Morris Chappell; Two Brother in Laws - Ronald Robinson and Roderick Robinson; Sister in Law - Brenda Pierce; God Son - Ronald Wells Jr.; Best friends since childhood - Gary Harper, Michael McPherson and Gerald Willis; nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 beginning with a visitation period at 11AM at the Sray- Webster Funeral Home located on 62 Landis Avenue Bridgeton, New Jersey. Funeral service will begin at 12PM followed by interment at the Cedar Hill Memorial Park in Hopewell, NJ.

Maynard R Pierce

February 1, 1957 - February 18, 2025