Thelma Hayes Pearson

CANTON - Mrs. Thelma Pearson, 94, died on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at her home in Haywood County. She was a native of Dillon, S.C., and was a former resident of Fayetteville and Thomasville. She was currently living in Canton.

Mrs. Pearson was the daughter of the late Henry and Maggie Hayes of Dillon. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Pearson, who died in 1989. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson were members of Haymount United Methodist Church from its inception, and they were both committed servants to its mission and growth. Mrs. Pearson was an inspiration to all who knew her, as she lived out her life as a wife, mother and servant of God. Countless Fayetteville friends join her family in saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

She is survived by her three daughters, Ellen Merel Spivey and her husband, Ed, of High Point, Miriam Pearson Stovall and her husband, Cliff, and Linda Pearson Means, all of Haywood County; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2011, in Haymount United Methodist Church in Fayetteville with the Rev. James Bird officiating.

Burial will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park in Fayetteville. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service Saturday at the church. Services will be conducted by Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory in Fayetteville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Pearson's memory may be made to Haymount United Methodist Church for the Commons Room Fund. For those who desire, an online memorial register is available under "Obituaries" at wellsfuneralhome.com Arrangements by Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Canton.