LeoNora Nadine "Nody" Pearson Gent

LeoNora Nadine “Nody” Pearson Gent went home to be with the Lord on February 3, 2021, having lived 101 exemplary years. She was so proud that she “still had all her marbles” and she played bridge until the pandemic ended her bridge playing days. She was brave, unafraid of risks, full of wisdom and incredible common sense, and always had a positive attitude that reflected her belief that whatever happened was not the worst thing and all would be well, an attitude which we all tried to learn from her. She encouraged all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be the best they could be and accomplish what they felt were their purposes.

Born to Gladys Metzger and George Leo Metzger on November 26, 1919, Nody (not Naughty, but Nody as she always said) lived through the Great Depression, lived through caring for two little boys alone in WWII with a husband in the Infantry, lived through the death of two children and two husbands, survived many tough times, and died a blessed, happy jewel in His crown. She was predeceased by her husbands, Sam Pearson and Owen Gent, and her two children, George Leo “Buddy” Pearson and Susie Pearson Byrnes.

Nody always had her door open for friends and family, was a tremendous homemaker and cook, and always believed that people “were doing the best they can” and shouldn’t be judged.

Nody was Sunday school leader and Sunday School Superintendent in St. Mark United Methodist Church, ran the Youth Club, brought flowers every week, served as a long-time Girl Scout leader, played great bridge, read mysteries voraciously, loved to travel, loved to garden, loved the outdoors, and prided herself on being a liberal thinker always. She was a member of the P.E.O. She supported an orphanage and medical clinic in Reynosa, Mexico for many years and would collect recently- expired medical supplies which were not usable in the United States from physicians and transport them to Reynosa for their use there.

When it was evident LeoNora was going home to heaven after a struggle with Covid -19, all the grandchildren called and told her what she meant to them, including Debbie Jungman, Pearson Klein, Cassidy Klein, Harrison Dale, Josh Dale, Christy Olcese, Kenny Cook, Caleb Cook, David Cook, Brett Byrnes and Matthew Byrnes. She greatly influenced the lives of all who knew her and especially her grandchildren. She wanted to live forever “to see what her grandkids were going to do”.

Katie Pearson Klein Dale (Roy Dale, deceased), Julie Cook (Warren), and Sam Pearson, Jr (Cheri) are her adoring surviving children and Mom has been reunited with her children, Buddy and Susie, in heaven. The 9 great grandchildren which so blessed her include Ryan and Samantha Jungman, Jackson and Carson Cook, Susie, Addie and Emily Byrnes, Elle and Blair Byrnes, and Matteo Olcese.

Visitation will be held at Kreidler Funeral Home in Mcallen on Friday, February 19, 5:30-7:00 p.m. and graveside service will be at Roselawn Cemetery Saturday morning at 10:00AM., with Pastor Walter Prescher presiding.