Mildred Mae Pearson

Mildred Mae Pearson, 87, of Abilene, Texas passed away on Tuesday, June 12 after a brief illness. A memorial service will be at 10:00 am, Friday, June 15, in the chapel at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Mildred and her husband, Orrin Pearson, made their home in Abilene, Texas in 2006. Their early years were spent in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where she was a homemaker, mom and grandmother,"Mamaw". Born September 3, 1924, in Temple Oklahoma, Mildred was the daughter of the late O.E. (Earl) and LuLa Knox. She later moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where she met and fell in love with her husband of 66 years, Orrin Pearson, who was a Navy Lieutenant during World War II. She worked as the secretary of the First Baptist Church where Orrin was visiting while stationed at the Naval Air station near Corpus Christi. Their love grew stronger through letters exchanged during the war years while Orrin was in Saipan. She became his bride only days after his return. Their love for each other was demonstrated by a lasting relationship of love, affection, and a mutual respect for each other which was strengthened by a real Christian faith. Next to the Lord, the love of her family was her greatest joy. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known most for her warm smile and love of people. She always told her children to "let their light shine so others could see Jesus in them" and she was definitely a shining example of that. She never met a stranger and saw good in all people. We have been greatly blessed and strengthened by her presence, joy of life and unconditional love. What a good and faithful servant she was. She was preceded in death by her parents, O.E. and Lula Knox; her siblings, Nadine Neaderhiser and Maynard Knox. Mildred is survived by her husband, Orrin W. Pearson of Abilene, Texas; David Pearson and wife Gina of Sheridan, Wyoming; Marsha Keef and husband Ken of Abilene, Texas; grandchildren Ashley Keesee and husband Tyler of Abilene, Texas; Paige Sanders and husband Doug of Sheridan, Wyoming; Dane Pearson and wife Kristi of Sheridan, Wyoming; great-grandchildren Kylan Sanders, Alexa Sanders, Dalaney Sanders, Karsen Keesee and Daxen Pearson. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the ICU nurses and doctors at Abilene Regional Medical Center and the nursing staff at Wisteria Place Nursing Home for their constant and tender care.