Mary Josephine Manuel Pearson

Mary Josephine Manuel Pearson, age 88, died May 17th, 2013, in Houston, Texas. She was dearly beloved by many and will be sorely missed. Mary was born July 9, 1924, in Galveston, Texas, the daughter of Joseph F. Manuel and Mary Andersen Manuel. She was married to Frederick J. Pearson October 10, 1945 in Galveston, Texas. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph F. Manuel Jr. and by Fred, her loving husband of almost 67 years. Mary is survived by their three children Elizabeth Ann Cain (and husband, Jim), Frederick J. Pearson, Jr. (and wife, Kathey Ferland), and JoAnne Christine Doyle (and husband, Andy); grandchildren Caisa Elizabeth Doyle, Zoë Astrid Doyle and Michelle Eileen Walter (and husband, Mack); and great-granddaughter Jennifer Lee Walter. She is also survived by two sisters, Dorothy Bartosh and Edna Binnion.

Mary lived in Galveston until she and Fred were married. After marrying Fred, she worked to support his college education before finding her true callings as a devoted mother and antiques dealer. Her primary devotion was always her family, which she supported lovingly and tirelessly. In the antiques business, the only thing she loved more than finding a bargain at an estate sale was sharing her business profits with family members. The kindness and generosity she showed here were evident in all parts of her life. She also played a mean game of dominoes and made the world’s best chicken tetrazzini.

Mary has been active in four Episcopal churches. In addition to her beloved Grace Episcopal Church in Galveston, she was part of St. Albans in Waco, then St. Thomas in Houston, followed by Grace Episcopal in Houston. She was very active, serving as chairwoman of the fall fair, the handcraft group, and, for many years, co-chair of the charity resale shop.

Visitation will be held at Earthman’s Bellaire Funeral Home, 6700 Ferris Street, Bellaire, Texas 77401 on Sunday, May 19th, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm. The funeral Service will at 11:00am on Monday, May 20th, at Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, Houston, TX 77025, with a reception following the service at Grace Episcopal. There will be a private graveside service later that day.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the memorial fund of Grace Episcopal Church, or to the charity of your choice