Mr. Albert M. Pierson

*****ATTENTION FAMILY & FRIENDS BELOW IS CORRECTED LOCATION FOR CHURCH******* THE GALILEE BAPTIST CHURCH IS HOSTING A SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR THE FAMILY OF MR. ALBERT M. PIERSON ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022. ****PLEASE SEE VISITATION AND SERVICE TIMES BELOW**** *****PLEASE NOTE: WHEN ENTERING THE CHURCH: MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE STILL REQUIRED** *****IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, CONSIDER DONATING TO: the Northside Association for Educational Advancement, P.O. Box 19875, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49019 or to Orchestra' Jammbo'laya, info@ojamm.org If you have any questions, please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 _____________________________ The Obituary Albert Miller Pierson affectionately known as “Jim” was born to the late Elnora Burns and Clarence Pierson in Hope, Arkansas on March 20, 1935. Being born during the “Great Depression” shaped Jim’s formative years resulting in a lifetime of frugality, grit and a strong work ethic. As with many African Americans, Jim was helped raised by his grandparents George Nelson Burns Sr. “Pa” and Sallie Mae (Carter) Burns until the age of eleven. He then migrated to the North with his cousins to join their parents. He attended Roosevelt Elementary Middle School where he discovered his talent as a saxophonist. Jim graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School where he attained his varsity letters in track and field. In addition to being an athlete, he continued his passion as a saxophonist. This talent would eventually grow into a recording artist with Chess Records. One of the Dapps’ songs that remains relevant in Europe is the 1956 recording “When You Are Alone.” https://youtu.be/RZTn-qrbVho He met his wife Willie Mae (Davis) and they married in 1959. For 63 years he supported her career aspirations as she became the first African American and one of the first women to be a realtor in Southwestern Michigan. He was a tuner for the Gibson Guitar company. For over three decades he served as a security guard for the Upjohn Company. Jim was a master gardener and was known for his fruit orchards. In 1991, the Kalamazoo Gazette once featured Jim as a foremost authority in growing fruit trees. This esteemed cameo is titled “A Gardner’s Plum Assignment, Fruits of His Labor Please Kalamazoo Man with Backyard Orchard.” The writer states “The Shiro plum tree, with its yellow fruit, is not grown in abundance in Michigan. But step into Albert Pierson’s backyard in Kalamazoo Township and no one would ever know.” Preceded in death by his sons are Stanley Williams and Jim Jerry Hampton, sisters Darlene Henry, Mable Henry, Evelyn (Ivo) Tynes, Mary Ann Pierson, Lula Mae Taylor who was his biological aunt but sister in heart, his brothers Johnie (Loretta) Miller Pierson, and Clarence Pierson, Jr. He leaves a legacy of children and grandchildren who are business entrepreneurs, an artist, a scientist, a film editor, a social media influencer, a computer engineer and more. He continues this legacy through his children Cheryl (Ricky) Johnson, Tonya (James “Petey”) Pierson Collins, LeShon (Stephanie) Pierson, grandchildren Kaii Williams, Patrick Pierson, Shashena Pierson, Roketa (“Rochelle”) Johnson, James Collins, Ciara Collins, Devante Pierson, Siani Johnson, William Collins, Camille Collins and great grandchildren Khalil and Kaylana Jones; two sisters Naydine Pierson, Joyce (Zebedee) Hampton, one brother, Anthony Pierson, two special cousins Buzette Jackson and James Palmore, one special niece Theresa Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mr. Albert M. Pierson

March 20, 1935 - October 6, 2022