Maynard P. Pierce Sr.'s Obituary
In Loving Memory of Maynard Preston Pierce
Maynard Preston Pierce peacefully passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and unwavering devotion to his family. Born on January 5, 1934, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, he was the beloved son of Preston Hosea and Gladys Showell Pierce. He lived a remarkable life defined not only by the years he was given, but by the countless lives he touched along the way.
Maynard attended Bridgeton Public Schools before following in his father’s footsteps as an electrician. Under his father's guidance, he learned the electrical trade while working in the family's business, Preston H. Pierce Electrical Services, where he developed the exceptional craftsmanship, strong work ethic, and pride in his profession that would define his career. He later spent nearly 30 years as an electrician with Owens-Illinois before continuing his career at Wheaton Plastics. During his years at Wheaton, he especially enjoyed the opportunity to work at the same plant as his son, Ricky Pierce, before retiring in 1997 after more than four decades in electrical trade. He enjoyed working with his brother Tony as well, also a skilled electrician, helping families in need of electrical services.
To Maynard, being an electrician was never just a job, it was who he was. He took tremendous pride in doing things the right way and found genuine satisfaction in solving problems and helping others. Whether wiring the family homestead in Gouldtown, or lending his skills to family, friends, and neighbors, Maynard was always willing to help. If something needed fixing, chances were he was already on his way with the tools and know-how to get the job done. For Maynard, there was no greater satisfaction than putting his hands to work and leaving something better than he found it.
Maynard met Betty Jackson Pierce early in life, and what began as a friendship grew into a loving and devoted marriage. They spent time together while working at a local cleaners, where their bond continued to grow. They were married on August 28, 1955, at the Jackson family home, surrounded by the family and loved ones who meant so much to them. Together they raised their three children, Maynard, Valerie, and Ricky in Gouldtown, creating a home filled with love, family, and lasting memories.
Some of the family’s most treasured memories were made on the road, as Maynard and Betty took their children on family road trips and adventures with Niagara Falls becoming one of Maynard’s favorite destinations. For Maynard, the journey was just as meaningful as the destination and the time spent together as a family was what mattered most.
He was always cheering on his children at sporting events and supporting their activities. He coached youth baseball for Smith & Richards and the Babe Ruth League, where he also served as an equipment manager. He took pride in guiding young athletes and believed sports taught valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication, respect, and character.
As his family grew, Maynard experienced one of life’s greatest joys: becoming Pop Pop. During his years with Betty, he welcomed his first grandchildren, Tarese, Sheena, and Jag, who brought him tremendous pride and happiness. In the years that followed, his family continued to grow, and he was blessed with two more grandchildren, Ciara and Sage. Maynard embraced all five of his grandchildren with the same love, pride, and devotion, creating special memories with each of them throughout the different chapters of his life.
As the years went on, the circle of family around Maynard continued to grow. His children’s spouses became an important part of the family, and he welcomed them with the same warmth and care he showed to those closest to him. Some of Maynard’s happiest memories came from the traditions they created together, especially the gatherings that brought everyone around the table. Christmas was a special time for the family, filled with shared meals, stories, laughter, and time spent together. For Maynard, the greatest joy was not only the traditions themselves, but having the people he loved gathered together and creating memories that would be treasured for generations.
Throughout his marriage to Betty, Maynard showed his love through loyalty, patience, and dedication. He cared for Betty with compassion and unwavering devotion, standing by her side and providing the strength and support she needed. Their life together was built on partnership, family, and commitment, and the care he gave her reflected the depth of his character and the love they shared throughout their years together. After Betty’s passing, Maynard carried forward the values, memories, and family they had built together.
In time, Maynard found love again and married Martina Rhea. Together, they shared many wonderful years filled with companionship, laughter, travel, and new adventures. They built a life together that was filled with family, friendships, and the simple joys of everyday moments. Maynard embraced Martina’s family and welcomed the relationships that came with this new chapter of his life. He valued the time they spent together and the memories they created as an extended family.
Following retirement, Maynard and Martina made their home in North Carolina, where they explored new places, cared for their garden, shared time in the kitchen cooking and baking, and enjoyed the many interests and activities that brought them happiness. Maynard also enjoyed golfing with friends and spending time outdoors, especially with his best friend Edward Carter. Family and friends often traveled to visit them, creating opportunities for gatherings, shared meals, laughter, and lasting memories.
Although Maynard embraced his life in North Carolina, he remained deeply connected to the family, friends, and places that shaped his life in New Jersey. He continued to make trips back home to visit his children, grandchildren, siblings, and lifelong friends, always making time for the people who meant so much to him. Maynard enjoyed sharing the places he loved, often taking family and friends along to his favorite spots, including breakfast outings at Jim’s in Millville. If he wasn’t in New Jersey, he made regular Sunday phone calls to keep up with everyone back home, sharing stories and staying involved in the lives of his family.
These simple moments, good food, familiar places, and time spent together became some of the memories his family and friends will cherish most.
Maynard found joy in life's simple pleasures and grew a fond love for country music. He was known for his signature trademarks including keeping his car spotless, rarely going anywhere without a toothpick, and always looking smooth in his infamous black leather driving gloves.
Maynard was blessed to see his family continue into another generation with his great-grandchildren, Sydney, AJ, and Kennedy. After a lifetime of showing up for the people he loved, he was able to experience the joy of watching his family grow beyond his own children and grandchildren. He took pride in the generations that followed and in knowing that the traditions, stories, and values he helped create would continue long after him.
Maynard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jackson Pierce; his parents, Preston and Gladys Pierce; sons Maynard and Ricky Pierce; Two sisters Elaine Morris and Bernice Webster; One brother Nathan Gould; and One bonus daughter Sharon Rhea.
He is survived by his loving wife, Martina Pierce; his daughter, Valerie (Sherwood) Brown; Two daughters in law Brenda and Diedre Pierce; his cherished grandchildren, Tarese Pierce Brown, Sheena Pierce, Anthony Brown, Ciara Pierce, and Sage Brown; Three great-grandchildren Sydney Dieudonne, Anthony Brown Jr., and Kennedy Dieudonne; Bonus children Bobby, Regina, and Martin Rhea; Gary Harper, Gerald & Linda Willis; Bonus grandchildren Armani King and Jada Watkins; Two sisters Alvetta (Raymond) Bailey and Delora (Randolph) Ferbee; One brother Anthony (Donna) Pierce; One sister in law Janet Jackson and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Although his hands have been laid to rest, the homes he built, the lives he touched, the traditions he created, and the love he poured into his family will continue for generations. His life was one well lived, and his legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.
Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Friday, July 31, 2026 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 and inurnment will be held privately at a later date at the Gouldtown Memorial Cemetery.
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