Carolyn Pearson, 78, of Brady, Nebraska, died September 5, 2013 at her home in Brady following a courageous battle with cancer.

Esther Carolyn (Foster) Pearson was born July 4, 1935 to Benjamin and Carrie (Hoff) Foster in Benkelman Nebraska.

Carolyn grew up on the family farm near Benkelman. She graduated from Benkelman High School in 1952. After graduation, Carolyn attended McCook Junior College and then started her teaching career.
She taught in the near-by rural schools, Cozad and North Platte. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Kearney State Teacher’s College in 1959.

On August 7, 1960, she married Willard Pearson at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman. This union was blessed with four children: Mary, Richard, Edward, and Ruth. Carolyn and Willard lived in Wild Horse Valley north of Brady, NE for over 50 years.

Carolyn was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Holiday dinners were a special time for Carolyn to show her love for her family by creating favorite dishes and decorated birthday cakes. For many years, Carolyn enjoyed growing large vegetable and flower gardens. She was also active with her children in their 4-H projects. Carolyn cherished being a grandmother and attended her grandchildren’s activities whenever possible. She made an embroidered baby quilt for each grandchild.

One of her favorite pastimes was reading her Bible which brought her joy and comfort. Carolyn faithfully attended church and was active teaching Sunday School, Bible School and AWANA classes. She also participated in the Women’s mission organizations.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Willard Pearson, Brady NE; children – Mary (Douglas) Hartman, Omaha, NE; Richard (Sharon) Pearson, Brady, NE; Edward (Catherine) Pearson, Seward, NE; Ruth (Toby) White, Des Moines, IA; grandchildren – Joshua and Brooke Hartman, Trina Pearson, Aleah, Calia, and Zakary White; sister-in- law; Hildur Malm, Maxwell NE; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Carrie Foster; sisters – Dorothea Foster and Bernice Jensen; brothers – Harry, Lloyd, Donald, Leonard Foster, and three infant brothers. She was also preceded in death by her sister-in-law Marjorie Foster; niece Carrie Gallington; nephew Leonard Malm; brother-in-laws Duane Malm and Robert Jensen.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Monday, September 09, 2013 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm. with family present from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Evangelical Free Church, 1721 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE; September 10, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Robert Litzenberger officiating.

Interment will follow at 1:30 PM in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Central Plains Hospice, PO Box 108, Cozad, NE 69130; , The Gideons International, PO Box 133, Gothenburg, NE 69138; Evangelical Free Church Missions.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.