Esther Mae Irby Pearson went to be with the Lord, late Wednesday, October 17, 2018. She was born on June 12, 1935, in Hurts, Virginia, to William Nathaniel Irby and Mary Doss Irby. On January 25, 1952 she married John Thomas Pearson, Sr. – “the only boy she ever loved”.
They pledged their vows at the home of The Rev. J. Ellis Jones and then went to “Ben Owens’ Place” for Grapette Sodas and ham sandwiches. They returned to “Ben’s” every year and were on the front page of the newspaper for their 50th anniversary.
She began working in “the Mill” on July 19, 1961. She loved the people she worked with and was grateful to Dan River, Inc. Esther worked with Polly Eastwood. They called themselves the “poly/ester” team.
Experienced in many departments, she was the last employee to leave the Schoolfield Mill, literally closing the doors, on December 29, 2006 Esther and J.T. began attending The First Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1952. She taught Sunday School for more than 50 years; sang in the choir; supported missions and was beloved by the children. She worked hard all her life; devoted herself to the Lord and her family.
J.T. entered heaven May 7, 2009. She said, “he was my sweetheart for life and eternity”. They are finally together again.
She is survived by her son, Tommy (John Thomas Pearson, Jr.) and his wife, Dena. Their children: Shelly Reese Pearson Lovelace and her husband, Caleb. Also, John Christian Pearson and his wife, Rebecca; three darling Great-Granddaughters: Allison Reese Lovelace (6); Grace Ann Pearson (4) and Penelope Herndon Lovelace (2).
She is further survived by her daughter, Jeanne Marie Pearson and Charles Holland Coe; her church family and Teresa Moore Shields. Esther was one of 12 children. Two sisters remain: Nola I. Scearce and Ora I. Blanks.
She was predeceased by her sisters: Effie I. Hardy and Bettie I. Leffel (“Teen”). Also by her brothers: Dallas, Carlton, Sterlin, Charlie, Maynard and two infant brothers, Reevie and Marie. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 20, from 6 to 7:30 PM, at Barker Funeral Home Chapel, 2025 N. Main Street, Danville.
Funeral service to be conducted on Sunday, October 21, at 2:30 PM with The Rev. Myron D. Bruce officiating. Tommy and Jeanne will also take part in the service.
Burial will follow at Green Bay Christian Church, Gretna. Esther has left her suffering behind. Glory to God.
She is holding J.T.’s hand. “Her children arise and call her blessed”. (Proverbs 31:28) and she has seen the face of God.
Barker Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Pearson family. Please sign the guestbook at www. swicegood-barker.com, www.
facebook.com/swicegoodbarker, and www. godanriver.com.
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