Pastor Johnice C. Orduña
Pastor Johnice C. Orduña was born to Bernice Bragg and John Pierce on September 12, 1950 in Omaha, Nebraska. Her gift and love for learning began early at Long Elementary school through the 5th grade. She then attended Experimental 6th grade at Kellom School for exceptional kids of color. Johnice went to Technical Jr. High until she was selected to attend Central High to prepare for college. While at Central, she was a member of CHS Accapella choir, Thespians and was an Honors student in all her subjects.
Although she was the younger sibling to her two older sisters, Johnice was always a voice of wisdom. As a child, Johnice sat at her grandfather’s feet, Pastor Leroy Bragg, to listen while he wrote his sermons. Baptized at age 8, she worshiped at her grandfather’s church, New Hope Baptist Church until age 10. Then she joined Calvin Memorial Presbyterian at the age of 11. She was a camp counselor and youth church leader. Through her church involvement, she became very active in the civil rights and anti-war movement. Even having an appearance in “A Time for Burning” with other black youth to talk about church integration.
Johnice was an avid lover of music being both a vocal musician and instrumental musician playing several different instruments. She sang with her sisters Carole and Nola at age 4 in the Pierce Trio, which was created by their mom, Bernice. They performed on the show wagon in Omaha. She learned piano from her Aunt Claudette Valentine. By age 15, she taught herself how to play the guitar, the first of many instruments she taught herself how to play. She loved folk music and sang in coffee houses with friend Glen Day.
She loved going hunting with her Dad, James Beck who raised her from a baby. And became an early entrepreneur with a family business B & D (Beck and Daughter) Hauling.
Johnice married her High School boyfriend Vincent Orduña. To this union four beautiful children: Vincent John aka V.J., Jeanna (Kyle Repass), Matthew (Tinia) and Benjamin who she now joins in heaven. At age 19, during the Vietnam War, Johnice lived as an Army wife and mother in Germany. Where she directed church choirs for the Chaplains office and at a local Catholic Parrish. She also directed the Army wives’ choir. After returning to the states, she taught early childhood music, guitar, and piano. She served as the choir director for several churches including St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Harlingen Texas where she raised her family until they returned to her family home in Omaha.
Her deep compassion, prayer and honesty were essential components in her life of ministry. She was a Lutheran MET team leader which was established to educate and minister to churches on Anti-racism, multiculturalism and inclusiveness. This was under the guidance of Pastor Harold (spiritual mentor),Pastor Roger, and Pastor Vic. She played the Organ for Church of the Resurrection. Pastored New Life Presbyterian. Pastored and renamed Agape Lutheran Church and created the Angels Drill team for the children of the community. Johnice served on the Bishop’s staff at the ELCA Synod offices, Johnice headed the Augustana Lutheran church Youth Choirs every summer under Mrs. Gwen for Project Embrace. She pastored and mentored both children and parents underserved in the North Omaha community through Lutheran Metro Ministries. Created the Pratt Street Project and College Prep After school Program. Attended UNO, receiving her Bachelors in Theology (graduated ELCA) and ordained through IEC.
In 2012, Johnice accepted a calling for Pastor of Pohocco Lutheran church where she pastored her beloved congregation for over nine years. She found extreme joy in leading the children of Pohocco through confirmation classes. There was no other point in her spiritual journey that brought her the same level of passion and love then serving as the Pastor of Pohocco Lutheran church.
Johnice was an enthusiastic collector of antiques and art, especially her extensive collection of bells. She found joy in many things like: planting in her garden, sitting in her backyard and swinging in her porch chair, spending time with the children of Pohocco, traveling with her best friend Pam Curry to watch women’s basketball and tennis, shopping for plants in the spring, decorating for Halloween and Christmas with all her Peanuts character figurines. These were just some of her favorite things.
However, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family, whom she was SO proud of. As the matriarch and spiritual centre, she created long standing traditions, like: the Advent family carols, familial talent shows, holiday celebrations, and deep abiding, honest conversations with each member of her family.
Fremont – Preceded in death by son Benjamin Orduna, brother Michael Brooks, parents Bernice Bragg Beck, James Beck and John Pierce Jr. Survived by children Vincent Orduna, Jeanna Orduna Repass (Kyle), Matthew Orduna (Tinia), grandchildren Adam Repass-Orduna, Ariel Repass, Christian Repass, Autumn Orduna, sisters Carole Ann Cartwright-King (Edward), Nola Jean Jeanpierre (Joseph), Lorraine Beck, brother John Pierce III (Lillian), her best friends Pamela Curry and Susan and Charles Christensen. Johnice leaves behind a host of nieces, nephew including cousins, extended family members and friends. Visitation Tuesday (12/28/21) 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Pohocco Lutheran Church 2363 Co. Rd. 11 Fremont, NE, 2nd Visitation Tuesday (12/28/21) 8:00 – 9:30 PM at New Life Presbyterian Church 4060 Pratt St. Omaha, Funeral Service 1:30 PM Wednesday (12/29/21) at Kountze Memorial Lutheran 2650 Farnam St. Omaha, NE. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – 108th Chapel
2727 N 108th Street – Omaha, NE- 402-496-9000
