Ms. Pearson is the daughter of the late Giles W. and Aletha Morgan Pearson of Melrose. She retired from USAID, State Department in 1979 and made her home in Saluda.

Ms. Pearson is survived by, four sisters, Doreen Janicki and Mildred Pearson, both of Melrose, Odessa Galda of Tryon and Julia Daunt of Sarasota, Fla. She is also survived by eight nieces and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 13 at 2 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with Rev. Norma Hanson officiating.

Burial will follow in Saluda City Cemetery, Saluda.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 until 2 p.m. in McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer&squo;s Foundation of America, 322 Eight Avenue, Seventh Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, is in charge of arrangements.