Francis Evelyn Pierson

After a grueling battle with brain cancer, Francis E. Pierson passed away at home, with her husband David by her side, on February 28, 2019.

Francis was born on January 2, 1965 in Alexandria, Louisiana, one of sixteen children born to Bobbie and Hosea Beasley. An emergent leader, her close knit family was always a great source of pride for Francis. Even into adulthood, Francis always had a keen interest with each of her sibling’s well-being.

High energy, astute, determined, and hard-working typified Francis’ growing up years. In 1981, she graduated with honors from Peabody Magnet High School in Alexandria where she had been crowned homecoming queen and involved in numerous scholastic activities. Upon graduation from high school, she immediately began pursuit of a college education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Not surprisingly, she completed her degree in Political Science in three years earning Summa Cum Laude honors as well as an active member of the marching band and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (in which she would remain active her entire life). Determined to put herself through college, Francis had earned numerous scholarships and held several part-time jobs during her college career.

During the summer break in 1984, while working one of those part-time jobs at a Wal-Mart in Alexandria, the hands of fate brought together Francis and her future husband, David Pierson - who was assigned to England AFB in Alexandria. After their chance meeting, Francis and David began a romance which would culminate with their marriage on January 31,1986. It was truly love, as Francis chose marriage and the military lifestyle of her husband instead of attending law school. After the birth of their first son, David Andrew Pierson in May 1986, Francis and David left for Japan in July 1986 where in Sept 1988, they were blessed with their second son, Steven Randall Pierson. Subsequent moves took their family to Texas, Virginia, Wyoming, Louisiana (again), New Hampshire, North Carolina and finally Georgia. All the while, Francis was a devoted wife, mother and ambassador of goodwill everywhere she went. She relished being involved with her sons’ activities and never missed the chance to celebrate their many accomplishments or miss out on a vacation, birthday or holiday celebration. Francis’ determination during these busy years enabled her to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Accounting as well as landing meaningful jobs at each stop along the way. But it was not until the family moved to Georiga in 1999, was Francis finally able to have a career, not just a job. A long-time DoD contractor supporting some of the most highly classified work at Robins AFB, Francis was widely respected for her rare combination of shrewd resource management and financial analysis while deftly navigating through the red-tape that defines government accounting.

But above any academic or workplace endeavors, Francis adored her family and especially embraced her role of grandmother to her two grandkids – Taren Andrew and Mila Francis. Living what she believed - Faith in God, Love of Family, and Compassion for Others were the guiding lights for Francis’ entire life. She was kind to people from every walk of life and always eager to help. Having never met a stranger, Francis warm smile and sympathetic ear enabled her to connect with others in a way few people can. Whether it was being a good listener, standing up to authority, aiding with health issues, helping make ends meet, or consoling affairs of the heart, Francis was always willing to do what it took to get results – often at great personal sacrifice to her own well-being.

Francis is survived by her husband and best friend David R. Pierson, son David Andrew Pierson, daughter-in-law Tiffany S. Pierson, grandson Taren A. Pierson, and grand-daughter Mila Francis Pierson all of Warner Robins. Additionally, Francis is survived by brothers Bobby Ray Beasley, Roland Beasley, Melvin Beasley, Charles Beasley, Andre Beasley, Gerald Beasley, Kevin Beasley, Bryan Beasley and sisters Janice Beasley, Michelle Roberts, Lisa Godin, Yvette Stewart, Gwen McCue, and Pam Beasley.

She is preceded in death by son Steven R. Pierson, parents Bobbie E Burns, and Hosea J. Beasley III, brothers Hosea Beasley Jr, Ronald Beasley and David Beasley.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Word in Season Ministries. At the family’s request burial will be private.
Contributions in memory of Francis may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association at 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631 or the Heart of GA Hospice at 103 Westridge Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with Mrs. Pierson’s arrangements.