Mary Ellen Coe Pearson

After an extended and courageous battle with cancer, Mrs. Mary Ellen Coe Pearson of Panama City, Fla., passed on to her eternal life to be with our Lord on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. She was 64.
The family will be receiving friends at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, from 6 until 8 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, at the Dothan City Cemetery, Lane 7.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations may be made to American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), National Foundation for Cancer Research (www.nfcr.org), Miracle House of New York (www.miraclehouse.org) or your local animal shelter.
Mary Ellen was born April 11, 1944, in Dothan, the daughter of James Alexander (Jack) Coe and Margaret (Rebecca) Bennett Coe. A member of the Dothan High School graduation class of 1962, Mary Ellen continued her education at Troy State University and was named Cotton Queen during her freshman year. After receiving her degree in early childhood education, Mary Ellen pursued her career as a 2nd grade teacher at Selma Street Elementary in Dothan. She married in 1967 to her husband Wayne Pearson and together, they joyfully raised three children while traveling throughout the south with her husband's career.
In 1994, the couple moved to Panama City, Fla., to fulfill their dreams of one day "settling down" on the Emerald Coast where the couple frequently vacationed with their children. Mary Ellen will be remembered for many things in life including her joyous spirit, her twinkling soul and loving heart for all of God's creatures. She cherished every moment spent with her family, her friends, and her most endeared grandchildren. She was always encouraging, finding goodness in others and created around her of unconditional love. Her heart, like her home was full of beauty and warmth and always open to others. Mary Ellen was a gentle person who gave strength and inspiration to those she touched.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Rebecca Coe; her brother, James Alexander (Alex) Coe Jr.; a special uncle and aunt, Cayce F. and Jennie (Rae) Coe Collins.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories her husband, Thomas (Wayne) Pearson; son, Mark Foster Pearson & wife, Aimee; daughter, Meredith Rae Pearson Bach & husband, Jason; daughter, Hilarie Ellen Pearson; a sister, Jennifer Coe Rolen & husband, Guy; niece, Jeina Rolen; nephew, Brent Rolen; grandnephew, Jack Rolen-Love; aunt, Katherine Forsyth; her most treasured grandchildren, Hannah Rae Bach, Alex Bach, Foster Pearson, Bennett Pearson and Collins Pearson; and several cousins and loving friends.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.kentforestlawn.com.
Kent Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Panama City, Fla., (850) 763-4694, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.