Josephine S. Pierce

Josephine ‘SYLVIA” Pierce, 85 of Chester, PA passed peacefully from this life on November 21, 2025. She was known to EVERYONE as “SYLVIA”. She was born on January 4, 1940, to the Late Mr. William McGriff (Addie) and Florence Naylor in Chester, PA where she also received her formal education. After graduation, she met and married the love of her life, Busie and together built a life grounded in shared values and raised 3 children. Sylvia was employed with the Franklin Mint. Her family and all who loved her will remember her Soul Food Cooking, specifically her fried chicken wings and seafood salad. Every Sunday was a Family Soul food Dinner event. She was also known, Chester City wide as the lady on 9th Street with the most beautiful Christmas Tree that graced her beautiful window for all to see. Folks from all over would drive by to get a glimpse and take photos. Sylvia was a very BIG advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness, as she had her own personal battle with the disease and beat it. She was also member at the Chester Senior Center where she joined the Red Hat Society, “Young At Heart” Red Hatters and held the title of QUEEN for some time until her health began to decline. She loved every bit of it. She also volunteered at the Fredrick Douglass Christian school as a teacher`s aide and in food service. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, especially cruising and visiting the the Washington, DC area to visit her late brother Eugene Boulware and Alexandria, VA to visit family/friends, the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe & Mary Winbush. Sylvia loved her children and ALL of her grands and great grandchildren. She made it her business to be in attendance to every event, party, graduation that she possibly could. Not only was she a PROUD Mom, she was a very proud MOM-MOM. She ensured of her early arrival, to secure front row seats to take pictures and videos of any and all things involving them. Sylvia just loved being with her family most of all, whether gathered around the table, celebrating milestones or simply sharing everyday moments. Sylvia was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Kennard C Pierce Jr (Busie), Parents, Mr. & Mrs. William & Addie McGriff & Florence Naylor, Brothers Eugene Boulware and William McGriff Jr, 1 daughter Debbie Valentina Pierce-Winbush,1 son in law, Andre Winbush and 1 sister Dorothy Wilson. Sylvia leaves to cherish her memory, 2 sons, Kennard C Pierce III, Tekess Pierce (Patrice), 5 grandchildren LaKenya Holmes-Bringham, Keyshonna Pierce-Simms (Breon), TreOntae C.Pierce- Lawrence (Jamele), Cory Johnson and TaKeysa Pierce. 11 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, Grace Robertson, Delia Bowling, Gloria Jean Coleman, a special niece: Yvette Jackson-Schaeffer/Butchie (Mark Jacquez), A special and dear friend Marian Duncan, 2 special longtime neighbors, Peaches and Mrs. Raymond and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and countless friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Josephine S. Pierce

January 4, 1940 - November 21, 2025