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Community remembers Auburn boy

Bennie Lee Pierce III, 13, passed away Saturday after a two-year battle with cancer.

By Donathan Prater Staff Writer
Published: October 21, 2009

On a day when many who knew him grieved over his passing, it’s how her son Bennie lived that Jasmine Pierce will most fondly remember.
Bennie Lee Pierce III, 13, passed away Saturday after a two-year battle with cancer.

Pierce, a student at J.F. Drake Middle School, was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma approximately two years ago while he was a student at Ogletree Elementary School after getting a physical in preparation to play in a recreational football league, one of Bennie’s favorite activities.

Bennie and fellow Ogletree alum Carly Parker were both diagnosed with different forms of cancer at about the same time. Students at the elementary school rallied funds and support for the pair by wearing inspirational bracelets.

Pierce underwent several months of treatment that included surgery and chemotherapy and his condition seemingly improved for almost a year until a brain tumor was discovered in July 2009, said Jasmine Pierce.

“He was a great kid who through this whole battle never complained about a thing,” Jasmine said.

Drake principal Debbie Beebe and the school’s faculty and staff are also mourning the loss of Bennie.

“We’re all grieving at this point, but we’ll always remember Bennie’s infectious smile,” Beebe said. “He was someone that everyone wanted to be around.”

And for Miki Parker, the mother of one of Bennie’s classmates, it was difficult to break the news to her daughter, Carly Parker.

“We’re all very blessed to have had the chance to know Bennie,” Miki said.

Just more than a week ago, Bennie celebrated his 13th birthday.

“He enjoyed life and lived it with a smile on his face,” Jasmine said.