Elva Iris Pierson

Elva Iris Santos Pierson was born Sunday, March 28, 1954, to Julio & Bonifacia Santos. She passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, after a lifetime battle with various illnesses since birth. She was 70 years young.

Elva came into this world with a life of challenges due to spina bifida and subsequent illnesses; but this by no means stopped her. She overcame almost every obstacle that was placed in front of her. Her parents were told that she wouldn’t live past 7 years old, that she would never walk, never attend school, never have kids, and never do many other things. However, that was not the story she wrote for her life.

If you knew Elva, you knew she was a proud woman with a sharp mind and tongue and had strong opinions; but she always had a smile ready for you, an ear to listen to you, and love to give you!

She was a fighter and no or can’t was not in her vocabulary. If she said she was going to do it, she did it! Not only did she learn to walk, she graduated from Emerson High School, she went on to attend and complete her program at Job Corp., and this is where she met her husband. They moved to Hawaii and had 2 girls. Sadly, he passed away 3 years later, and she was left to raise her girls alone. She moved back to Indiana to be surrounded by family and spent her life devoted to raising them the best way she could.

She enjoyed sewing and baking. She always talked about her family and enjoyed all family functions. She loved to dance and loved her Puerto Rican food and music. She loved the family gatherings for Noche Buena and the picnics at Roger’s Park. She loved a good time and lived her life to the fullest!

Elva is preceded in death by her parents, Julio and Bonifacia Santos; her husband, Phillip Pierson; her brother, Victor Negron; her sister, Maria T. Cardenas; her brother Jorge Negron.

She is survived by her 2 daughters, Leissa Pierson (Chancie Thompson III); Marisa (Christopher) Ikpoh; 6 grandchildren, Matthew Pierson, Salaya White, Vanessa Ikpoh, Jasmine Ikpoh, Cassandra Ikpoh, and Raquel Ikpoh; & 1 great-grandson, Matthew Pierson Jr. She also is survived by her brothers Julio (the late Doris) Santos Jr, Edwin Santos (Carolyn Baker), Bill (Susan) Santos; 2 sister-in-laws, Milta Negron and Diane Negron; 12 nieces and nephews, Melissa (James) Negron-Schilling, Michelle Negron (Billy Johnson), Teresita (Delaun) Kirk, Carmenlita (Eriek) Nickson, Antoinette Cardenas, Stacy Ross, Elizabeth (Angela) Negron-Haniford, Christopher Baker, Michael Santos, Mary Santos, Christopher Santos, and Gabriela Santos; special family members Sylvia Pagan-Pimentel & Saralin Fuentes who she called her angels; and many great & great-great nieces/great nephews, cousins, many extended family members and friends.

She is loved by so many who will miss her more than words can say. Her love and wonderful memories will continue to surround and comfort her family and friends.

In my last conversation with my mom, she mentioned how important it is to love, forgive and help others; and to continue to stay connected to all of the family because “la familia lo es todo.”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at White Funeral Home, located at 921 W. Glen Park Ave. (45th Ave.) Griffith with Rev. LaVonne Carson officiating. Cremation to follow the services.

Friends are invited to meet with the family on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00p.m. at White Funeral Home.

For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit our website at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

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