Russie Pierce-Tiller Peacefully transitioned into the spirit realm on Monday 12 August 2024. Born on 21 November 1939, she was approaching her 85th birthday.
She is survived by her husband David Tiller who retired after 26 years as a superintendent from Mitchell Energy. They were both eagerly anticipating their 47th wedding anniversary only weeks away in September. They enjoyed living on the banks of the Vermilion river in Abbeville, on a property that Russie’s parents Nellie and Casey Pierce purchased when they moved from Intracoastal City in the 50s.
In high school, Russie served on the homecoming court while her younger brother David Pierce, presently of Abbeville, was the class valedictorian and star football player. They were both active on the debate team. David had three scholarships including academic, football and performing arts. The brother and sister team moved to Los Angeles in the 60’s where Dave attended the Pasadena Playhouse. His career skyrocketed when he became a DJ at a radio station in Pasadena, CA. Russie excelled in theater working on her first documentary film in Mexico in her early twenties. Together the two would run their family business where new talented actors were trained in theatre arts.
Russie went on to star in two documentary films surrounding her larger-than-life career in Hollywood as well as authoring two books and audiobooks. Additionally, she recently did a cameo appearance in a third documentary film. Her brother Dave authored and published his book from a historical perspective on the life of a DJ in Hollywood from the 60’s onward.
She has three children. Two daughters, Lisa Honeywell, film producer, book publisher and author, Leslie Pierce a naturopathic physician and author, and son Michael Vaughn, a retired welder and author of seven works of spiritual poetry. Her grandchildren include Brandi Prisco, Holly Crenshaw and Dena Bergeron. She has seven great-grandchildren, one of which is following in Russie’s footsteps. Mia wrote her first book at age 6 and authored 3 in total which were published by the age of 8.
In lieu of a public memorial service, the family elected to host a private gathering at a later date TBA.
Russie’s favorite quotes were, “Never take one breath for granted.” “May your journey through all of your lifetimes be a pleasant one.” And “Joy riding the universe.”
Future updates will be posted on Russie’s website at MahaRussie.com, where all of her work is featured.