Janet Naoma Pearson's Obituary
Janet Naoma Pearson May 6,1939 - January 29, 2026
She was called Jan by friends and family. She loved that her middle name was a combination of her aunts - Nancy and Mary. After living a full 86 years she breathed her last breath on earth early morning on January 29th, 2026 in Franciscan Villa Long Term Care Facility (Broken Arrow, OK) before changing her residence to Heaven.
She was born May 6, 1939 in Portland, Oregon to James and Naoma Bannon with her sister Margaret (Peggy) and James (Jimmy) following to complete the family.
Her first marriage was to Bill Mills in June 1957. Then adding two daughters: Debra Janine (Debbie) and Margaret Kathleen (Peggi). This union ended in divorce in 1964. Then in 1965 she married Harold Pearson and became step-mom to his five children (three of which lived with her at times). She became a widow when Harold died in 1979 in Colorado.
She LOVED to learn. She graduated from California Baptist College with her bachelor’s, took plenty of other courses and ended at Oklahoma State with her Master’s Degree. She also loved teaching and LOVED her students especially those in her Special Education classes. She was very committed to every church she attended! If memory serves me right, it was an honor for her to sing in the choir for a Billy Graham crusade in California!
If you knew her, you KNOW her favorite color was purple and she loved butterflies. Her favorite earthly place would definitely be Yosemite National Park in California. She lived in Mariposa, Yosemite’s foothills, for about 7 years or so. She LOVED it there!
She was also SUPER IN LOVE with all her grandchildren (Rebekah Hall, Stephen Smith, Andrew Smith, Jericah Smith, Samuel Eagler, and Benjamin Eagler) and five great-grandsons (Brayden Hall, William Hall, David Hall, Levi Smith, and James Smith). Abby Hall, her only great-granddaughter, was probably one of her greeters or tour guides upon arriving in Heaven.
Her younger sister, Margaret (Peggy), is the only member of her immediate family still living. Her stepson, Michael Pearson, always held a special place in her heart and is living in Wisconsin with his wife. She loved the occasional video calls with him. Both daughters and their spouses are still living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
The family will be holding a come and go, “Remembering Jan” in Debbie Smith’s home Sunday, February 22nd in Broken Arrow. For details contact Debbie, 918-455-8315.
We look forward to seeing her again in Heaven and so thankful for all her love and prayers over the years for all her family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Janet?
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Share a story where Janet's kindness touched your heart.
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