Mary Ann Pearson

Mary Ann Pearson, 86, of Waldorf, Maryland, passed away on July 18, 2020 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata. Born on October 31, 1933 in Dahlgren, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Mary Evelyn Tomberlin, Sydney Wade Gillispie and stepdaughter of the late Carl Harris Tomberlin. She was married to Charles Robert (Bobby) Pearson on August 22 1954 and had four childeren. In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband Bobby and brother Frank Gillispie. Mary Ann is survived by her sister, Louise Tomberlin Pyles of Brandywine MD and children Charles (Chuck) Robert Pearson Jr. and his wife Donna of Hughesville, MD, Connie Wood and her husband Pat of Waldorf, MD, Cindy Swann and her husband Dale of Waldorf, MD, and John Pearson and his wife Diana of Waldorf, MD. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. A Lackey High School graduate of 1951, she was a life long resident of Charles County living in Indian Head, Marbury and eventually moving to Waldorf. She had a very colorful history of jobs and experience over the years starting as a decorated secretary for Safeway Head Quarters in Anacostia; wrote the Waldorf news column for the Time Crescent newspaper; worked in the billing office at the Waldorf Sanitation Company and was one of the first cab drivers based in Waldorf. She drove a school bus for Charles County for over 15 years and worked in the school system as a cafeteria worker as well as a substitute teacher. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and loved watching her TV shows. Her daily routine included mandatory watching of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and would throw in a couple Hallmark and old black and white movies each day for good measure. We marveled at how good she was at Wheel of Fortune and often told her she should go on the show. More than anything, she loved to be surrounded by her family. She loved all people – the more the merrier. She could light up a room of strangers and, in no time, have them all laughing and talking like they were long lost friends. She made everyone feel so comfortable. She loved to get her family together and made sure everyone had plenty of food. She would often invite surprise guests and new acquaintances to family parties. Family members often kidded that we needed “My Name Is” stickers just to know who we were sharing our family parties with. Mary Ann was a very devout Catholic and attended Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Waldorf. She said the Rosary several times each day and would use a notebook to make sure she said it enough times for everyone in her prayers. She was loved by so many and will be missed beyond words. A period of visitation will be held on Friday July 31 2020 from 1PM to 2PM followed by a eulogy and mass at at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 100 Village Street Waldorf, Maryland 2060. The events will be streamed on line from the church. In order to view, Google “OLHOC youtube” and look for the link with Mary Ann Pearson in title. A private burial will be held at Piney Church in Waldorf at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary Ann Pearson to Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, 100 Village Street, Waldorf, Maryland 20602 or charity of your choice.

Mary Ann Pearson

October 31, 1933 - July 18, 2020