Lemuel Aubrey Pearson, of Carriere, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Carriere. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Carriere from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to the services, under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Carriere Cemetery. Bro. Danny Roy Johnson and Pastor Ritchie Sheridan will officiate.

Lemuel was born on October 11, 1921 and raised in Carriere, Mississippi. The third child of Dallas Leander and Beatrice Alexander Pearson. He grew up during the depression and graduated from Carriere High School. He married Annabelle Powell Pearson and they had three children, Lemuel, Linda and Jeffery Ann.

He joined the Air Force at age 21 in 1942 and became a bomber pilot. He flew 31 combat missions, (29th and 30th on D-Day) during his time served in World War II. Lemuel was awarded numerous medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.

After his time during World War II, he returned to Covington, Louisiana with his family, where he opened a flying school. He closed it after a few years when he was recalled to serve during the Korean War.

After his service in the military, he and his family resided in Carriere. Lemuel was a realtor, Chief of Police of Picayune, and eventually retired from Stennis Space Center. He lived a happy and full life surrounded by the ones he loved.

Lemuel was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Alexander Pearson; his father, Dallas Leander Pearson; sister, Elaine Pearson McDonald; three brothers, Dallas Leander Pearson, Jr., Malcolm Howard Pearson, and Donnie Pearson; his precious granddaughter, Laura Ann Pearson; his second wife Ida Sablehaus Pearson, and his beloved high school sweetheart, wife, and mother of his children, Annabelle Powell Pearson.

Left to cherish his memory are son, Lemuel Powell Pearson; daughters, Jeffery Ann Pearson, and Linda Sue Martin and husband David; six grandchildren, Tammy, Ritchie, Darren, Kristy, Shannon, and Luke; 11 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; numerous relatives and friends; a number of step-children, and step-grandchildren.

Our most sincere and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who loved and cared for our father. The staff of Timeless Grace were exceptional, and the family is very grateful for their care and comfort. Thank you also, to Southern Care Hospice for all they did to ease Dad’s last days.

Arrangements are under the direction of Picayune Funeral Home. Please visit our website for the obituary.

You can leave an online condolence or share photos and memories. www.picayunefuneral.com