Deacon Leroy Pearson Jr.

In nature, no object is without use or notice to the keen eye of intelligence or the calm quiet eye of taste and no life is without notice.  Leroy's quiet gentle manner, speech and sense of humor drew people to him.  He was peaceful and skilled, willing to help if he could. 

            There are some lives that disappoint us, some impressions of character which we have to revise in late years, but the impression that was formed of Leroy when you first met him, remained unchanged to the end of his life. 

            Leroy was born in Denmark, Mississippi in Lafayette County, October 2, 1925.  He was the first born of 12 children to Leroy Sr. and Roxie Sue (Pegues) Pearson.  He received his formal education at Oxford Training School in Oxford, MS.

            He was baptized in the name of Jesus and received the Holy Ghost at 16 years of age.  He remained steadfast for the rest of his life.  At the age of 21 years he met and married Verdine Wilson on May 9, 1948.  The couple (and her baby sister, Hazel) made their home in Denmark, MS.  Two children were added to this union.  They later relocated to Benton Harbor, MI.  They settled and had two additional children, completing their family.  

            Leroy was a man of character.  He stood for what he believed was right without compromise.  You could talk to him in confidence.  He was a man of his word.  He was indeed a man of courage and determination, a man of integrity. 

            Of his many accomplishments, he served as Sunday School Superintendant, church treasure, and a fine Deacon.  He manicured the church yard, provided transportation, and gave of his finances.  He mortgaged his home for the church.  He and his wife were the founders of Pentecostal Power church which started in their living room at 795 Buss Street in Benton Harbor, MI.  He and his wife undergirded that ministry.  His sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Roberta and Freddie Coleman joined the work.  He and his wife housed all Evangelists and Pastors that came to that church up to and including Bishop Willis Baker and family until they were able to secure their own place.

            He believed in education and supported each of his children in earning their degrees.  He was a strong loving father, a true husband, and family man.  Leroy worked diligently to provide for his family.  He worked at Superior Steel for 29 years and retired from Benton Harbor Area Schools.  He was a Senior Deacon, Trustee and long time member of New Vision Apostolic Faith Assembly in Niles, MI under the pastorate of Bishop Carlton D. Burrel. 

            Deacon Pearson made his transition on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.  He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Roxie Dine Finley-Gordon, Melvin Pearson Sr., Donald W. (Sharonda) Pearson, Gayle R. (Carlton) Burrel.  Two sisters, Mary Mosely, Port Huron, MI, Essie L. Hubbard, Oxford, MS, one brother, Major Pearson, Oxford, MS, One Sisters-in-law, Octavia Pearson, Chicago, IL, and Charolette Pearson, Sheffield, Al;  One Brother-in-law, Peter Wilson, Benton Harbor, MI, 26 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.  A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and his New Vision church family.  Leroy was predeceased by his beloved wife Verdine, parents Leroy and Roxie Pearson, Siblings Lawrence T.C., Willie Andrew, Alvin, J.C., James Preston (J.P.), Betty L., Marvin, and Baby Pearson.

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