Mary Elizabeth Brown-Pearson

Mary Brown Pearson, 94, passed away peacefully Sunday, at noon, November 2, 2025. "And now, these remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." That word is a fitting descriptor for Mary Brown Pearson's life. Mary's early years were marked by tragedy: her father died when she was four; her mother at twelve, but not before having profound effects on her trajectory in life. She was subsequently raised by her grandmother and several loving aunts, with a strong emphasis on church life. She married Virgil Brown at sixteen and had three sons: Wayne, David and Steve by age twenty three, who likewise were raised with strong Christian principles. "Her boys" were second only to her love of the Lord. They felt her deep love, but also her righteous wrath whenever they got out of line! In her own words, she described parts of her early childhood and upbringing: "I had a loving mother that taught me to love God. She was a godly woman. Proverbs 31 (25-31) describes her. Twelve years was a short time, but she instilled much love and integrity in me." She described here father as "very intelligent and fun loving." Her grandmother Hardin taught her to be diligent." She also enjoyed spending time with her brother Wesley Sullivan after her mother married Clayton Sullivan after the death of her father. Her maternal family was very large so many Hardin clan gatherings were enjoyed. Her "proudest moment" was "when her children graduated from college." After raising her children, Mary got a real estate license and began selling new homes. In 1973 she sold over 60 while at Martin & Herring Builders and developers. In 1977 she opened her own real estate company, ERA Brown & Co with her son, Steve. By 1980 they sold the company and joined Crye Leike, Realtors, where she remained until she retired her license in 2000. In 1985 she married the late "Ike Pearson", a Marine Captain, former professional baseball player and avid golfer. They spent "five of the best years of my life" together "snow birding" from Hendersonville NC to Bradenton FL." Mary's first grandchild, Jeffery David, learned to play golf with Ike. "Ike was a perfectionist when it came to golf, and he was a great teacher. He taught me proper golf grip and preached the importance of putting. Ike was impressed with my putting skills on the course and putt-putt, and nick named me "Ace" After her retirement from real estate, Mary focused on her family and church, teaching Sunday School classes and taking care of many elderly family members. Besides being called "Prayer Warrior" by members of her church, those who knew her best described her as "sweet, sweet Mary... Wonderful example of a Christian lady..... She was a mighty woman of God.... You have such kind words to say about people.... authentic prayer warriors are few and far between....she is always there when someone needs her...her sweetness just radiates from her countenance... she is filled to overflowing with love for people...." Mary relished the company of family and friends; she created a comfortable and trusting environment where others could feel heard and validated. She was empathetic, supportive and a good listener. You could hold as long a conversation with her as you wanted with her undivided attention, providing encouragement and making others feel comfortable expressing their thoughts. In her later years, Mary could be found attending church services, holding family gatherings or holding the hands of sick or dying friends and family. Although she will be greatly missed, she would be the first to say, "don't worry about me, you can see me again if you believe, obey and trust in the Lord." She would likely give you a "wink" as she said this as a gesture of love, friendliness and appreciation. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you consider a donation to The Finishing, C/O National Christian Foundation Kentucky, PO box 175; Lexington KY 40588. This fund sends missionaries to unreached, unengaged people groups around the world. For credit card orACH: https://secure.ncfgiving.com/GXDonateNow?id=aOUOHOOOaLcMcUAK To send a flower arrangement in memory of Mary Elizabeth Brown-Pearson, please click here to visit our sympathy store.