Lois "JO" Pearson

Lois Mae Pearson, known by all as “Jo”, 93, most recently of Bowman Estates, Danville, IL, passed away at 1:18am on Monday, April 21, 2025, her 93rd Birthday, at Pleasant Meadows, Chrisman, IL.

Lois was born on April 21, 1932, at home in rural Georgetown, the third daughter of Ray William Whitaker and Dorothy Mae Ridge. She married Kenneth Lee Pearson on December 3, 1954. They were married 28 years. Lois attended Georgetown schools and graduated 3rd in her class! She was in the choir and loved performing in plays. A fun fact, her name is still in a program on the wall at Red Mask Community Theater in Danville.

She is survived by her four children who brought her so much joy (her words): Dr. Linden Ray (Kathy) Pearson of Mt. Vernon, IL; Cindy Lee (Jeff) Flessner of Normal, IL; Stacy Joe (Carlie) Pearson of Georgetown, TX; and Kevin Scott (Teri) Pearson of Eastsound, WA. She cherished her 8 grandchildren, Ian (Serena) Pearson of Antioch, TN; Sedra (Dr. Christopher) Ketcham of Granger, IN; Signey Pearson of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Caitlin (Chandler) Kaiden, Normal, IL; Dr. Nicholas (Cheyenne) Flessner, Surrey, ME; Nathan Flessner (Sierra Pennala - partner) Chicago, IL. Samantha (Nicholas) Kornmeyer, Elgin, TX; and Jonathan Pearson (Izzy - partner) Round Rock, TX. Her precious Great-Grandchildren Conrad, Clara and Clark Ketcham; Colleen, Maggie and Lillian Pearson; and Walter Kaiden. She is also survived by her sister, Belva (Alfred) Morris, Georgetown, IL, and by many wonderful nieces and nephews and their families.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Sisters Mary Taran and Margaret Darr, her daughter-in-law Luz Pearson and ex-husband Kenneth Pearson.

Lois had many stories of being raised on a farm. She loved singing and was part of the Otis Gruber Choir. She sang gospel on WCIA on TV channel 3, with Gene Hackman as her cameraman. She attended Udderback Business College. Jo loved writing poetry and wrote many for family and friends on special occasions. In her later years she loved going to Wallace, IN, to line dance at Opry 341, with her sisters & friends. She loved her position of Account Executive for Municipalities at Cannon & Cochran MSI. She said she was lucky to have the kindest boss. She was involved in BPW in Danville and served as an Election Chairman at the voting polls for many years. After retirement she worked at First National Bank Drive-through in Danville. A special thank you for the tremendous staff who loved and cared for our mom throughout her residency at Bowman Estates. They were her friends. Special thanks to Vickie Herron, Mom’s beautician and dear friend, who picked her up every Friday to do her hair and make her feel beautiful. Memorials may be made to your local Autism Society.

A Celebration of Jo’s Life will be held at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center’s Houghton-Leasure Chapel, 200 E. West St., Georgetown, IL, 61846, at 1 pm on April 25, 2025. Chris Lawler officiating, of First Church of Christ, Catlin, where she was a member. Burial will follow in Georgetown Cemetery. Visitation being held 11-1 at the funeral home prior to service. Please join Jo’s family in sharing pictures videos, and memories on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com