Erica Yvette Pierce Johnson, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025. A lifelong Cincinnatian, Erica brought warmth, humor, and compassion to everyone who had the blessing of knowing her.

Born to Mary Diane Pierce and Hayward Hudson Pierce, Erica was raised with strong family values and deep faith. She was the eldest sibling to Eric Pierce and a loving big sister to Elisha Pierce—a role she cherished and carried into every relationship in her life. On September 2, 2000, Erica married Markus Johnson, and three years later, on April 25, 2003, they welcomed their greatest joy: their daughter, McKenzie Jehlani Kiah Johnson.

Erica graduated from Northwest High School in 1988 and later earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Legal Assisting from the University of Cincinnati in 1995. She dedicated 17 years of service to St. Joseph Orphanage (now NewPath), where her gentle spirit and mothering nature touched countless young lives. She then discovered her true calling in education, becoming a beloved teacher at IDEA School in Price Hill. Erica also enjoyed her seasonal positions at Bath & Body Works—which she loved—and proudly worked in merchandise at Kings Island, where her bright personality shined.

A woman of deep faith, Erica joined First New Shiloh Baptist Church at the age of 12 under Pastor Mangam. She continued to grow in service, fellowship, and community throughout her life. She was also a proud member of the Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., crossing on April 26, 2008, as well as a committed member of the Pride of the Valley Lodge #95 Order of the Eastern Stars.

Erica was known for her kindness, her ability to make everyone feel cared for, and her joyful, humorous spirit. She loved to shop, share jokes, and talk about cherished memories. Wherever she went, she brought love, laughter, and a sense of home.

Erica is survived by her beloved daughter, McKenzie Johnson; her mother, Mary Diane Pierce; her father, Hayward Hudson Pierce; her brother, Eric (Dione) Pierce and her sister, Elisha Pierce; her cherished niece Keoni and great-niece Kylee; her nephew Kevonte; her best friends, Jennifer "GeeGee" Williams and Felicia Stegall; and a host of extended family, Sorors, church family, colleagues, and friends who loved her dearly.

Erica's life was a testament to love, faith, service, and generosity. She mothered the world around her, and her legacy will continue to live in the hearts of all who were touched by her warmth and light.

May her memory be a blessing.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, on  Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the First New Shiloh Baptist Church, 710 South Fred Shuttlesworth Circle, Cincinnati  (45229).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation,  beginning at 11:40 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy she leaves behind.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Pierce-Johnson family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory  is caring for the Pierce-Johnson family during this difficult time.  Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.