Karen "K.K." Pearson

1942 - 2025

Karen "K.K." Pearson

September 11, 1942 - August 21, 2025

Karen "K.K." Pearson, of Charlottesville, VA, passed away on August 21, 2025, just three weeks before her 83rd birthday. She was born on September 11, 1942, in Boone, IA, to Howard and Marie Hubby. At age six, she met a life-defining challenge when she contracted polio, spending six months in the hospital, part of that time in an iron lung. She always credited her recovery to a compassionate nurse who used Sister Elizabeth Kenny's then-controversial method of hot compresses and exercise, a regimen that restored her strength and shaped the resilience that guided her throughout her life.

K.K. and her younger sister, Karol, were among the first in their family to attend college, both graduating from Iowa State University and cherishing their years there as members of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She earned her degree in English and, soon after graduating, married her high school sweetheart, Larry Pearson. Their life together took them across the Midwest and East Coast with Larry's career at General Electric, while K.K. built her own path in education. She taught high school English and French before becoming Director of Education at Highland, the home of President James Monroe, where she discovered a lifelong passion for history and travel.

Fierce in her compassion, she stood up for those without a voice, or those still learning to find their own. She was a "second mom" and favorite aunt to many, and nothing brought her greater joy than cheering on her children, their friends, her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at games, recitals, school events, and competitions.

Her love of community ran deep. K.K. gave generously of her time to the Virginia Festival of the Book, the Virginia Film Festival, and, closest to her heart, The Paramount Theater, where she volunteered in various roles but took particular joy in serving on its Arts Education Committee. Beyond her community work, she found happiness in attending church, traveling, reading, working on her needlepoint, and walking her beloved standard poodles.

K.K. leaves behind her children, Scott Pearson and Maia Bannan; her daughter-in-law, Ann Pearson; her son-in-law, Glenn Bannan; her grandchildren, Abby Tutt, Emma Pearson, and Casner Bannan; sisters-in-law, Joyce Grabau and Nancy Pearson; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life Birthday Tea on Thursday, September 11, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Farmington Country Club, Charlottesville. For those wishing to honor K.K., contributions may be made to Arts Education at The Paramount Theater, 215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902, or online at https://charlottesville.theparamount.net/donate/contribute1. The family extends their sincere gratitude to Jaszmine, her at-home caregiver and companion, and to all the members of her caregiving team at The Lodge at Old Trail.