The Picayune Item
AUSTIN, Texas —
Forrest Clifton Pearson, 79, of Picayune, Miss., passed away Tuesday Nov. 20, 2012 in Austin, Texas. Funeral services were held Nov. 25 at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home by Pastor Mike Seay of Austin Street Baptist Church in Yoakum, Texas.
A native of Carriere, Miss., he resided in Picayune the majority of his life where he owned Pearson Steel Construction and East Canal Mini Storage. He was also a long time member of Goodyear Baptist Church.
A self-made man, his work and businesses were his passion for many years. His wife finally convinced him that seeing other parts of the country would be a good reason to retire, if only partially in the beginning. So, they acquired a fifth wheel and he was hooked. They traveled to many bluegrass festivals around their home in Mississippi to the mountains of Tennessee and Colorado. A six week trip to Alaska was a fond memory. Several trips to Hawaii were also favorites, although the camper had to stay home for those.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Clifton and Susie Pearson; and brother, R.W. Pearson; daughter, Rhonda Frierson; grandson, Joshua Frierson; and granddaughter Kia Pell.
Survivors include: his wife of 60 years, Joycelyn Ponish Pearson; daughters, Terri Guy (Ray), Cheryl Stewart of Austin; and Karla Pell (Kenneth) of Atkinson, NC. Grandchildren, Trey Guy, Carson Guy (Jessica) and Erica Stewart Jaimes (Mark) of Austin; Jacob Pell (Jessica) of Hope Mills, NC. and Benjamin Pell of Atkinson; and six great-grandchildren.
Surviving siblings include: Sue Weaver (Lewis) of Decatur, Miss., Ann Jenkins (William) of Biloxi, Miss., H.J. Pearson (Letha Mae) of Carriere, Vernice Delaney (Dennis) of Ozona, Miss., Edward Pearson (Charlotte) of Carriere, and Georgia Ann LaVigne (Harold) of Carriere. Sisters-in-law, Alene Bryant (Howard) of Quitman, Ann Price of New Caney, Texas, and Diane Greer of Yoakum, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Robert Van Boven, Neurologist, who worked tirelessly to diagnose and treat him during his illness and to Christopher House Hospice Austin for their caring, gentle, and dignified treatment during his last days.
It broke our hearts to lose him, but he didn’t go alone.
For a part of us went with him, the day God called him home.
We take comfort knowing he is no longer suffering and is rejoicing with his daughter and grandchildren under God’s watchful eye.
We’ll love you always,
Your family
