Ercilia Pierre

A life characterized by generosity, love of family, love of country, and above all, a reverence for Jesus Christ. Ercilia, a beautiful baby girl, was born on the island off the island, in La Gonâve, Haiti on January 4, 1934, to Micheline Pierre and Valcius Derival Cirius. She had one baby sister, Cirilia Cirius (Bebe) whom she cherished until her death. In the early 50s, she met her partner, Cenatus Bonhomme, with whom she had two children, Marie Michelle and Prevenance (Bobo). The family settled in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in search of opportunity and a better life, and from that point on Ercilia fiercely carried the mantle of supporter and provider. She was a merchant and savvy businesswoman, selling her wares in markets across Haiti to support her mother, her two children, her sister, and her seen children. She was tireless in her capacity to love and provide for her family and dear ones, near and far. On March 5, 1984, Ercilia came to the United States for the first time. She visited Miami, FL, where her daughter, her son, and their spouses lived. Befitting her character, she loved fiercely, gave generously, and tirelessly supported all who crossed her path. Her customary greeting of “konman w ye, pitit mwen?” settled on us all, for there was always room in her heart for one child more. And so, for many, she became Mommy Cia. She was a migrant farmer, often away for months at a time, and when she was not traveling for work, she continued to travel back and forth to Haiti, buying goods to sell in the markets. She settled permanently in the US in 1990, but her heart was always in Haiti. She cared for her mother until she passed away at 104 years old in 2010 and supported her baby sister until she passed away in 2015. When she settled in Miami, she gave her life to Jesus, and faithfully attended Emmanuel Baptist Church. She pursued Christ with single-minded determination, forsaking all that was behind her for the cross before. It was beautiful to behold. She liked pitimi and blè, fried chicken and french fries, and almond pistachio ice cream on a sugar cone. She liked listening to the radio, jewelry, silk headwraps, scented lotion, and looking good. She liked sitting on the porch contemplating life, cool breezes and conversations where she was invited to tell her story. She always found a way to make birthdays special with a secret handshake. She loved God, she loved her family, she loved her friends, she even loved strangers! She was Manman, Gran, Grangran, Matant, Kormè, Zanmi, Voisine, Sè, Babysitter, Friend, Confidante, Advisor, Man’ Cia, & she was Mommy Cia. And the richness of her life now lies in our memories. Let us honor her well. Ercilia was surrounded by her loved ones when she was welcomed into eternal peace on November 20, 2024. She was predeceased in death by her parents, Micheline Pierre and Valcius Derival Cirius (Ti Bôt); her sister Cirilia Cirius (Bebe); her niece Emmacula Saint Louis; and the father of her children, Cenatus Bonhomme. She is survived by her daughter, Marie Michelle (neé Bonhomme) Beauvais; son Prevenance Bonhomme; son-in-law, Joham Beauvais; daughter-in-law, Clautide (neé Decelien) Bonhomme; seven grandchildren: James Beauvais, Jessy Beauvais, Jim Beauvais, Ludwich Bonhomme-Martin, Gerline Bonhomme, Ervin Bonhomme, and Jonathan Beauvais; four grandchildren-in-law: Myrlaine Beauvais, Joy Beauvais, Carlton Martin, Widlyne Bonhomme; seven great-grandchildren: Kourtney Beauvais, Lauren Beauvais, Nicolas Gauvin, Caitlyn Beauvais, Asher Beauvais, Lilianna Beauvais, and Damian Bonhomme; six nieces and nephews: Dieufait Saint Louis, Fritz Saint Louis, Antoinette Saint Louis, Iberman Saint Louis, Mirolien Saint Louis, and Marie Yolene (Ti Marie) Saint Louis, and all of the brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, tout pitit yo…too many to name, but you know who you are for she carried you in her heart. Always.

Ercilia Pierre

January 4, 1934 - November 20, 2024

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