Joan Pearson

Joan Gilley Pearson, age 88, entered Heaven’s gates on December 8th, 2018 in Winston Salem, NC.   Joan had an unwavering faith in God which showed through her kind and gentle spirit and great devotion to her family and to her faith.

A caring and compassionate person, Joan was beloved by many.  Her true devotion in life was to her husband, children and grandchildren.  Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to call her mom.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, to be carried on by her surviving family members. Joan is survived by her husband Stan Pearson, her sister Janis Cooper, her children Mark Pearson, Julie Pearson Vantine and husband Bruce Vantine, Elizabeth Pearson Krings and husband Jeff Krings,  daughter in- law Glenda Pearson, her grandchildren Daniel Pearson, Erin Arnold, Clay Pearson, Scott Vantine, Tyler Krings, Kathleen Pearson, James Vantine, Cody Pearson, Kasey Krings, Nicholette Krings, Katee Jo Vantine, and great grandchildren Acacia Arnold, Jeremiah Arnold, Isaac Arnold, Eliyah Pearson, Cassidy Jo Krings, Evelyn Townsley & Nora Vantine.  She is preceded in death by her father Troy Gilley, her mother Mary Cecil Armstrong, her sister Eva Lane, her son Terry Pearson and her daughter-in-law Catherine Pearson.

Joan was born on October 9th, 1930 in Antlers OK.  She worked as a homemaker, realtor, and commercial artist.  She was a pilot and antique dealer.  Joan is known as the author of the cookbook “How to Cook a Cow and Other Things”.   She was married to Stanley Ray Pearson for greater than 67 years.  He lovingly referred to her as “Go-Ann”.

Joan was very social, active, and eclectic. She was deeply involved in her church, the Church of Christ, for all of her life and loved going to Ladies Bible Class.  She enjoyed cooking, reading, estate sells, and family gatherings.   She cooked for many throughout her life and enjoyed having people to her home.  She loved traveling and seeing new places. Her family and friends will always remember her as a joyful servant.

A Celebration of life is scheduled for Joan on Friday, December 14th, at 2pm at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Joan’s life. Donations can be sent to the American Diabetes Association.

Exodus 23:20: “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”