September 25, 1957 – June 9, 2023
On Friday, June 9, 2023, Stuart Calvin Pearson, Jr., affectionately known as “Junie, Art, Sky, and Jambo” of Petersburg, VA peacefully transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly reward, surrounded by his wife, Naomi and children, Sheryl and Shelton. Stuart was born September 25, 1957 in Hampton, VA, to the late Stuart Calvin Pearson, Sr. and Queen Esther Williams-Pearson.
Stuart was educated in the Hampton Public School System, graduating in 1975 from Hampton High School in Hampton, VA. He attended Virginia State College (VSU), where he majored in Biology. It was there that he met his wife of 38 years. He was employed with the Department of Juvenile Corrections for 23 years until a decline in his health in 2008 led to his early retirement.
Stuart “loved” his family and was a great “friend” to many. He was a loving and devoted husband, a loving and supportive father, and an extra proud “PaPa” to his grands and great-grands. He had a passion for political activism and worked diligently to encourage all eligible residents of Petersburg, and the surrounding areas, to exercise their right to vote. He enjoyed collecting coins, stamps, comic books, and two dollar bills. Stuart loved acting and was fortunate to get small parts in several movies, including “The Murder of Mary Phagan” starring Jack Lemon and Charles Dutton and “Lincoln” directed by Steven Spielberg. Stuart also loved music and was an avid collector all genres.
He was a member of the Greater Walters A.M.E. Zion Church in Newport News, VA, and remained a faithful member until moving his membership to Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. At that time he re-dedicated his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized on September 20, 2009. He was a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church Men Chorus. He attended faithfully until there was a further decline in his health.
Stuart was preceded in death not only by his parents, but also by a loving maternal grandmother, Nancy Williams (Granny).
Left to cherish his memory: his caregiver and devoted wife of 38 years, Minister Naomi Pearson; daughter, Sheryl Pearson (caregiver) of Petersburg, VA and son, Shelton LeRoi Cary Sr. (Arlene) of Prince George, VA; four grandchildren, Briana Giles of Petersburg, and Akirah Cary, Shelton Cary Jr, and Myshel Cary of Prince George; two great-grandchildren, Zyon and Egypt of Petersburg, VA; one sister, Shawneequa Wyche of Hampton, VA; four brothers, Michael and Jamie Pearson of Hampton, VA, Andre Pearson (Gloria) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Mark Pearson of Independence, MO; two brothers-in-law, Rev. Abel Cary (Joann) of Hampton, VA and Gregory Cary of Petersburg, VA; four sisters-in-law, Ivy Cary, Tina Dixon, and Rev. Selina Bivens of Petersburg, VA and Elva Taylor of Bossier City, LA; two aunts, Zella Jones (John) and Aretha “Rita” Mask of Hampton, VA; two uncles Norman Williams (Sandra) of Charlotte, NC and Harold Williams (Debbie) of Surry, VA; a special goddaughter Athena Smith of Alexandria, VA; four specials friends, George “Seitu” Brown, Bari Muhammad (his barber) of Petersburg, VA, Pastor Duane Fields, Sr. and Bishop Duane Fields, Jr. of Doswell, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor and eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, June 23, 2023 at the funeral establishment.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.