Phyllis Anderson Pearson was born into the family of Alex and Josephine Anderson on January 3, 1920, in Kost, Minnesota. She was the oldest of three daughters. She and her sisters Lovetta and Beverly enjoyed growing up among a joyful, close knit extended family; who all worked hard, were active in their church and loved the Lord. Phyllis gave her heart to Jesus at an early age and continued to remain steadfast in her faith through out her life. After attending North Branch High School, Phyllis moved to Minneapolis where she worked at various jobs. During World War II, Phyllis worked at the Twin Cities Arsenal where she helped manufacture bullets that were sent to the war.
After the war, a charismatic young man by the name of Ray Pearson, whom she had known earlier through church, returned to the Minneapolis/North Branch area and managed to capture her heart. They were married on March 22, 1947 at the Kost Evangelical Free Church. Ray and Phyllis were blessed with four children Susan, Linda, Ron and Nancy. Both Ray and Phyllis worked hard to provide for their children, raise them in a loving home and instill in each of them their strong Christian faith. In 1962 they moved their family to Dallas, Tx and later in 1967 moved to Austin, Tx where they remained until their retirement. After retirement Phyllis and Ray moved to Rockport, Tx for several happy years until Ray's health issues caused them to return to Austin to be closer to their children. Where ever they lived, they were always active in church. Through both good times and hard times they had the joy of the Lord and kept the gift of laughter. After Ray passed away in 1993, Phyllis lived independently and continued to find ways to work, be active and serve others.
Through out life, Phyllis was always very social. She loved to talk. She was an excellent homemaker, seamstress and cook. She used her gifts well. Her home was always open to family, friends, pastors, visiting missionaries or who ever needed encouragement. It was a place of loving hospitality. Being true to her Swedish heritage she could quickly put on a pot of coffee and fill a plate with sweets at a moments notice. The door was always open. She treasured her friendships. Even in her final weeks when she had to be moved to a nursing home, Phyllis kept an accepting attitude and continued to smile and make new friends.
On the evening of June 5, 2017 Phyllis' earthly journey was complete. Her prayers were answered and God took her home.
Phyllis is survived by her sister Lovetta Ledin and husband Jerry, Minneapolis MN, sister Beverly Johnson, Minneapolis MN; daughter Susan Thurman and husband Randy, Manchaca Tx; daughter Linda Sheldon and husband Scott, Houston TX; son Ron Pearson and wife Margaret, AustinTX; daughter Nancy Pearson, Houston TX; grandson David Thurman and wife Emma, Buda TX; grandson Jeff Thurman and wife Susan, Kyle TX; granddaughter Jane Geroy and husband Jude, Kyle TX; granddaughter Julie Walter and husband Daniel, Sherman TX; granddaughter Michelle Davison and husband Cameron, Austin TX; and eleven great grandchildren Emma Leigh and Sophia Thurman; Dustin and Katelyn Thurman; Joel and Jenna Geroy; Pete, Hope and Mary Margaret Walter; Quinn and Pearse Davison. Phyllis is also survived by extended family members and special friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.
Phyllis' life was an example to her family of Philippians 4:12 -13 which says "I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned to be content in any situation - - - I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength." More than anything else, Phyllis desired that her relatives and friends share the joy and hope which can only be found in a personal commitment to the Lord. Therefore we can rest assured that God's timing and ways are always perfect. To God be the glory. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
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