L Pearson

Lillian Helen Hales Pearson 1926 ~ 2010 Lillian Helen Hales Pearson died Sunday, January 17, 2010 of causes incident to age. Born August 19, 1926 in Magna, Utah, of parents Lester J. Hales and Lillian Leota Stone, both deceased. Survived by her husband, Wilbur Pearson, Jr.; sons, Leander (Diana), Kib (Lily), Wyldn (Joy), and daughters, Leota (Michael), Seret (Joseph); 21 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brothers Francis Marion, Arthur Berry, James Golden, Leon Ermine, Joseph Ronald, and sister Blanche Kaiser. Survived by indefatigable brother, Jimmie Hales, Magna, Utah; and lovely sister, Loa Jane Anderson, Kearns, Utah. Helen graduated from Cyprus High School, Magna, Utah, in 1944. She worked for S. L. County recreation. She earned her way through college as a custodian at Cyprus High, gaining a BA in 1950 from University of Utah in Political Science. She commuted from Magna to the U. with her brother, Leon, and friends in a model A Ford. She later served as the first LDS sister missionary in the newly formed Central American Mission (Guatemala) 1953-55, under President Gordon M. Romney and his wife, Beth. During graduate studies at the U. she participated in the drama department with C. Lowell Lees and Robert Hyde Wilson. Helen married Wilbur L. Pearson Jr., of Lewiston, Idaho, 28 September 1959, in Elko, Nevada, while he was still in the Navy. Marriage was later solemnized in Salt Lake LDS Temple. They began their married life in the charming town of Kingsville, Texas. After gaining a teaching certificate at the U., she began her career as a counselor at Brockbank Jr., Magna, but soon became the Speech, Drama and Spanish language teacher, later assigned the same subjects at Valley Jr., Granger, and Bennion Jr., Taylorsville. Helen loved teaching Spanish and conducted summer tours of Mexico with her 9th grade students. She also involved many students in school drama presentations. Serving various church callings as a lifelong Latter-Day Saint, her favorite calling was teaching the Gospel Doctrine classes to adult ward members. Helen had a very strong testimony of the Gospel. Helen enjoyed playing in the womens church ball leagues, pitching her last softball tournament game on her birthday at the age of 65, forced to retire only because of injuries. An ardent fan of Jazz basketball, and a Trekkie, she also became an authority on books by L. M. Montgomery, of Anne of Green Gables fame. She retired from Granite School District after 33 years. She and Will served an ATM/LDS mission in Mesa, AZ, 1992-1994. Helen was very happy to have so many wonderful grandchildren and spent as much time with them as possible. She volunteered for many years at Jordan Valley School for children with severe disabilities helping in the swimming pool once a week. She and Will also delivered hot meals to people living with AIDS while serving as volunteers for the Utah AIDS Foundation. She was an especially loving and diligent grandmother to her twin grandsons who were born with special needs. Helen was an avid reader, never leaving home without a book in her pocket. She shared her love of reading with her family and many friends and neighbors. Helen was an extremely friendly, generous and compassionate soul who opened her home to countless people throughout the years. She instinctively knew when people were in need and did everything she could to quietly ease their burdens. Mom couldnt keep a plant alive to save her life so please consider donations to Shriners Hospitals in lieu of flowers. Funeral services will be Friday, January 22, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at the West Jordan 27th Ward, 2666 West 7000 South, where a viewing will be held Thursday at the church, 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to services. Interment, West Jordan City Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.