Elizabeth Kay Pierce

Elizabeth Kay Pierce was born on April 20, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to Robert and Jewell Dawson of Wyandotte. She was the devoted and beloved wife of Daniel Pierce, Amazing Mom of Cynthia Evans (Timothy), Wonderful Grandmother of Elijah Evans (Shera), and Hannah Wood (Garrett) and Sweet Great Grandmother of Eleanor Evans, Juliet Evans and Ryatt Wood. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Jewell Dawson and sisters, Margaret Pelliccioni and Linda Pankas. Elizabeth lived in Wyandotte her entire life. She attended Roosevelt High School and U of M, Ann Arbor. She met Daniel in High School on the bus! They were married on June 15, 1963. Shortly after, she assumed ownership of DownRiver Travel Agency in Lincoln Park where she thrived as the owner and operator for 50 years. She loved to travel and introduce people to different cultures and cuisines. She also loved to take the students of Good Shepherd School to Washington, D.C. every year. She guided many people on tours to several countries, but her favorite was Italy. She traveled to almost every country at least once. Even though the travel agency consumed much of her time, she gave 110% to many other organizations and people. She was an avid Habitat for Humanity Detroit volunteer, was the President for several years, and received the Habitat State of Michigan Volunteer of the Year award. She has been recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution, was a Rainbow Girl/Masonic Association, taught Sunday School and VBS to many young people and was an active member of the First Baptist Churches of Wyandotte, Dearborn and Ypsilanti where she loved singing in the choirs. As a breast cancer survivor, she raised money for research by walking the 3-day Susan G. Komen 60-mile walk. She also worked tirelessly with the Roosevelt High School Class of 1959 Reunion Committee to reunite classmates. Her most important work was her family. She loved and cared for Daniel, Cynthia and her grandchildren Elijah and Hannah. She always made time for her family with food, laughter and love. Elizabeth passed away at her home in Wyandotte, well cared for by Daniel, Cynthia and Residential Hospice. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 2pm at the First Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, 1110 West Cross Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Arrangements entrusted to Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, Plymouth. To share a memory or message of condolence, please use the Share a Memory tab on this webpage.

Elizabeth Kay Pierce

April 20, 1941 - February 20, 2026