Jerry Edward Pearson

Jerry Edward Pearson, age 87, of Irondale, Alabama, was born on April 24, 1938, and passed into his eternal heavenly home on May 2, 2025. His parents, Young Jerry Pearson and Clara Abels Pearson preceded him in death as well as younger brothers, William Roy Pearson and James Marvin Pearson. Jerry loved his family with all his heart and was deeply loved by his wife, Peggy, who preceded him in death. They were married for 67 years. They were teenage sweethearts, married young, and built together a wonderful and beautiful life. He is survived by their children, Dwynette (Vince) Valenti and “Bud” Jerry (Tina) Pearson, Jr. He has 5 grandsons, all of whom he adored, Tony (Bethany), Michael (Katie), Rory (Marley), and Jeremy (Mysti) Valenti, and Allen (Emily) Pearson. Also joys in his life were great granddaughters, Maya, Aurora, Summer, Vienna, Gwyneth, Victoria, Rebekah, Amelia, and Elaina Valenti, and Paisley Pearson, and great grandsons, Gabriel, Alex, Daniel, Joel, Luke, and Erik Valenti, and Jaxson, Bentley, and Grayson Pearson. He has met 2 great grands in Heaven and has 2 more that will be born this year.

Jerry attended the Church at Grants Mill, formerly the First Baptist Church of Irondale, for many years, where he served as a deacon. He was an active member of Moody Baptist Church during the time the family lived in that community.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to Ford Family Cemetery. Send checks to Janet Hunter, 114 Bellingrath Terrace, DeLand, FL 32724 and put Ford Cemetery in the memo line.

A potluck meal will follow the Service. Please bring your own chair and a side or dessert to share if you are able. Meat & tableware provided.

Jerry was born on April 24, 1938, near Springville, Alabama to Young Jerry Pearson and Clara Abels Pearson. The family moved to Irondale when he was a child. Peggy (in 7th grade and he in 8th) spotted Jerry when he came into a study period class. She had never noticed him before that day and her heart skipped a beat. She immediately knew that she would someday marry him. She had never had a date before, but knew they would someday be together, even though Jerry did not know this for quite some time. Peggy and a male classmate went on a double date with Jerry and another girl. It would be another year later before Jerry asked Peggy out on a date. Most of their dates centered around church activities.

Jerry was 18 and Peggy, 17, when they married. Their marriage lasted 67 years until Peggy’s death last year. He was her ROCK and she was his world. They laughed a lot and shared hobbies and interests. They were the first couple married by Brother George Slater in the new sanctuary at the First Baptist Church of Irondale. Jerry joined the Air Force and after basic training, he and Peggy spent about 6 months in Homestead, Florida. Then Jerry was sent overseas for 19 months and 23 days. There, he enjoyed the sport of baseball and was the star pitcher for the squadron team. Peggy stayed at home with her parents. Upon returning, they were stationed in Columbus, Mississippi when their daughter, Dwynette was born. Jerry was honorably discharged and built a home in Leeds, Alabama where they were living when Bud was born. Jerry built the other houses where they lived, too (Moody and the lake) and eventually they moved back to Irondale in 1974 where they spent the rest of their lives.

Jerry started his own business, mainly building houses after his 4 years of service; then formed Plaza Contractors doing commercial remodeling. As time progressed, his interests turned to traveling and gardening, and he also maintained rental properties. He preferred working over sitting around doing nothing. He enjoyed the challenge of taking something not working and renewing it – making something out of nothing. If he ran into a mechanical problem, he would call “my ace mechanic,” Bud, and the two of them would figure it out. He loved the lake and spent his free time there, fishing with Dwynette; or Peggy or Ken Beard before they passed, as well as others. The fish would be glad to hear of his passing! He and Peggy also loved to travel. They took two road trips to Alaska and made numerous trips to the southwest, the northwest, and the northeast visiting nearly all 48 states, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico.

Jerry spent part of many summers working with “Builders for Christ”, going all over the US building churches with that group. He also was active for many years in the Men’s Ministry, participating in the weekly Bible Study and breakfast at The Church at Grant’s Mill. His expertise led him to do many construction jobs at the church. He built the brick structure for the church sign, many cabinets, shelves, and desks inside the church, and the cross in the baptistry.

Jerry was a man of few words but will be remembered most for his service to the Lord, the church, and others.

A graveside for Jerry will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM at Ford Family Cemetery, 2917 Blooming Grove Road, Jasper, AL 35504.