Norma Jean (Dailey) Pearson

Norma Jean Pearson

CHARLESTON – Norma Jean Pearson, 95, of Charleston, passed away Friday, April 16, 2020 at her Villas of Hollybrook home, Charleston, with her children at her side.

Norma Jean Dailey Pearson was born in Charleston, Illinois on October 12th, 1925, the only child of Foster Max Dailey and Irma Florence Waltrip.  After high school graduation, Norma taught elementary grade students in a one-room schoolhouse in Missouri for a year before returning to Charleston where she was employed at the Brown Shoe Factory.  In 1946, Norma married Max Carroll Pearson, the love of her life.  Besides being a full-time mother to her two children, Norma held several jobs over the years.  Norma worked at the GE plant in Mattoon, Sears and Roebuck in Charleston, and in her later years, enjoyed working at the EIU Bookstore.  Norma and Max enjoyed boating, waterskiing, vacationing, and dancing.  In the 1960s, you could frequently find Norma and Max dancing at the Charleston Moose or Elks club on Friday night, enjoying a good band.  In her later years, Norma became the founding member of the Heartland Senior Line Dancers in Charleston.  She loved line dancing with her friends and actively recruited new members to the group.  She lived for her Friday nights out at the Charleston VFW and never missed a Friday unless severe illness or weather prevented it.

Norma was definitely a “people person”, always had a positive attitude and always greeted everyone with a smile.  She will be missed.

She is survived by, and her memory will live on through her two children, Georgia Pearson Wagner of Brighton, Colorado, Randy Pearson of Saint Petersburg, Russia, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. 

Her graveside memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  Memorials: Traditions Hospice.  NO FLOWERS PLEASE.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard Funeral Home.

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