Velma D. Pearson

Velma D. Pearson, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Madera, California on Friday, August 11, 2017, returning home to be with the Lord. Velma, lovingly known by many as "Sally", was born on January 4, 1919 in Pasadena, California, to Tim and Minnie (Sellers) Ross. She was the eldest of five children and known by her siblings as "Sister" (big Sis). Her family moved frequently during the Great Depression but eventually settled in Bakersfield, California. Sally was a teenager during the Great Depression. Life’s necessities were cheap but few had enough money to buy it. Soup bones were 1 cent a pound, (beef) bones for dogs (beef) were free but did the same job. Her frugal habits carried over even to saving small items she “might need later”. She remembered it all so well and talked about it almost to the very end. Even though her body was failing, her mind was sharp even after suffering the final stroke which paralyzed her on one side, but she retained her faith and sense of humor all the way. She became a beautician and eventually married Edwin Pearson. Ed and Sally were active in their church and took joy in assisting others. Sadly, Ed passed away in 1981 but she continued to live in their house. Sally developed a love for the arts. She was known locally for her artistry in different mediums of painting. Her art has been enjoyed by family and friends both locally and elsewhere. She received many awards for her paintings at the county fair in Madera, California. She enriched the lives of so many others by her presence and her paintings as she traveled her long road of life. Sally leaves behind her sister Helen (Ross) Kindred and brother Clem Ross; many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Tim and Minnie and her brothers Mel and Will Ross. A Memorial Service honoring Sally will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at First Assembly of God, 317 Orange Ave., Chowchilla, at 1 pm with a reception to follow. Interment at Chowchilla Cemetery District.