SHELBY- Thelma Jean Pearson, affectionately known as Thelmer, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, in Cleveland County, the same place she was born on February 11, 1958. At the age of 67, Thelma leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration.
Thelma was a vibrant soul who could light up any room with her infectious smile and contagious energy. A devoted wife, beloved mother, and cherished grandmother, she was the cornerstone of her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Randy Pearson, who stood by her side through life's many adventures.
Her sons, Dean Pearson and wife Melissa White, along with Roger Pearson and his wife Taylor, were her pride and joy. They will forever remember their mother as a guiding light, grounded in love and unwavering support. Her grandchildren — Dalton Pearson and wife Zoe , Austin Pearson and wife Taylor, Abigail Pearson, Austin Lee, Logan Manno, Kenna Walker, Noah Pearson, Keith Pearson, and Ashley Wooten — and great-grandchildren — Hadleigh, Bristol, Blair, Caiden, Alyvia, and Aubree — carry forward her spirit and zest for life.
In her free time, Thelma could be found captivated by her favorite television shows. She had an unparalleled love for "Criminal Minds" and murder mysteries, always eager to solve the puzzle before the episode concluded. Her sharp wit and keen attention to detail made her the perfect sleuth in any scenario.
Thelma was small in stature but mighty in presence. A feisty personality combined with an unyielding determination meant she could run with the best of them, never backing down from a challenge. Her heart was as big as her spirit, and she was known for her kindness, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Preceded in death by her parents, Carrol and Betty Strange, her sister Debbie, and her brothers Jimmy and Larry Strange, Thelma now joins them in eternal peace. Her surviving siblings, Tina Brown, Donald Strange, and Tim Strange, along with countless friends who became family, will forever hold her memory close.
Though Thelma's physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy of love, strength, and joy lives on in the hearts of those she touched. She may have left this world, but her story will continue to inspire and her spirit will forever be remembered.
Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1401 W. Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreSponsored