Jethro Pearson

Jethro P. Pearson

Poughkeepsie - Jethro Pearson departed this life on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at St Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY.

The son of the late James Walter and Vernella Person. He was born on January 14, 1924 in Eagle Springs, NC.

Jethro graduated from West Southern Pines high school in Southern Pines, NC. Upon graduation he enlisted and served in the US Army receiving an honorable discharge. He was employed by Hudson Valley block company, retiring after 30 years of service. He was well-known as the best stonecutter this side of the Hudson.

He was a member of Beth-El Church of God in Christ in Poughkeepsie, NY serving on various auxiliaries and committees.

He was the Founder and Pastor of the Mount Olive Fire Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas, in Poughkeepsie, NY. He graduated from the Manhattan Bible Institute in New York City with a Master's in Theology. He loved the Lord, and given an opportunity he would hold a conversation with you about the word of god. This was his passion and love.

He became a well-known gospel music promoter in the Hudson valley and managed his own family gospel group call the Pearson Singers.

Jethro was a loving and caring father, he fostered many children in the Poughkeepsie area. He was a proud father who wanted the best for all his children.

In the hospital room with all his children and relatives around his bed, one of the last things he said was, "it doesn't get any better than this".

He leaves to cherish his memories, his beloved children, Jethro Mnason Pearson of Hyde Park, NY, Evangelist Ruby Scarborough of Middletown, NY, Halina Raynor of Lavonia GA, Regina Raynor of Lawrenceville, GA, Rodney Braxton of Poughkeepsie, NY and Swanson Braxton of New York City; one brother, Walter Person of Philadelphia, PA; one sister, Francis Jones of Southern Pines, NC. A large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and a host of great-great nephews, nieces and cousins.

Jethro will be dearly missed by all.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Vernaella Person, sister Aretha Wright, foster children Fred Blango and Orlando Daniels, Reverend Tyrone Elting and Clinton Elting.

Mr. Jethro will lay in repose 10-11am Friday, February 21,at Beth-El C.O.G.I.C. 91 Hooker Avenue Poughkeepsie. Services 11am at the church. Pastor Magdalene Patterson and Pastor Robert Walker officiating. Interment with full military honors at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY.

Professional services entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Homes 43 Fairview Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. "Committed To Being The Very Best." Call us anytime at 452-2894 or 452-6143