Mary Frances Pearson, age 86 of Gadsden, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022. Frances was born March 22, 1935 to Norman Paul and Doris Lancaster Battles. She was a lifelong resident of Etowah County.
Frances attended Hokes Bluff High school, but like her husband Don she dropped out of school to help her family on the farm. Her work ethic and decisions from an early age would set the tone for a life lived as a servant leader. Frances loved her family, and she loved best by serving others, mostly through food. On holidays and especially on Sundays she could be found in her kitchen preparing a feast for anyone who happened to drop in. By early afternoons she’d be surrounded by friends and family, all with full hearts and stomachs, with a smile on her face.
Frances drove a school bus for over 28 years for the Etowah County Board of Education. She was a supporter of the Hokes Bluff Band Booster, she would help with fundraisers, and often drove the bus to away games and competitions. Even after her retirement she was often called on to substitute for other drivers. She was known throughout the community and enjoyed when past bus riders would come up and reminisce with her about her time as a driver. More than a few times she would pull the bus over to give someone a talking to, but rest assured… “Mrs. Pearson” was loved and respected by all.
Frances was the true matriarch of her family. She was the fixer, the listener, the one that was there no matter what. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her family. Whether it was making her homemade peanut butter cake, spending the afternoon with the kids eating ice cream and watching her soap’s, or fixing the best chicken and dumplings you ever ate. We are all so lucky to have been loved by her for so long, but we know she really hung around to love on her grandchildren and great-grandbabies a little longer, and to see her beloved Braves win one more World Series.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, YuDon “Don” Pearson, parents, Norman Paul and Doris Lancaster Battles, her brothers Jimmy Battles and Wayne Battles, her daughter Regina Kunaschk, granddaughters Madi-Kate Stovall and Ada Faith Pearson.
She is survived by her children Jason (Sue) Pearson, Norman (Debbie) Pearson, Deedra (Joey) Koon, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and her sister Jean Pritchett.
Pallbearers will be Lucas Vinson, Jay-Jay Pearson, Gene Pearson, David Lee Vinson, Dustin Thweatt, Matt Carroll, Joey Koon and Jeremy Whitehead.
A special thank you to Kayron Johnson from Visiting Angels and Cherokee Health and Rehab, especially Cheynne, Faith Lynn, Vicky, Jennifer, and the other staff that took such good care of her.
Flowers or donations will be accepted. Donations may be made in her name to Hokes Bluff Band Boosters, Attention: Mr. Staff, 1865 Appalachian Hwy, Hokes Bluff, AL 35903.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18