ELDER SARAH NEWKIRK PEARSON
Sept. 11, 1938-Aug. 7, 2018
Elder Sarah Newkirk Pearson was a native of Goldsboro, N.C.
She was born Sept. 11, 1938, to the late Norman and Mary Wilson Newkirk, and with her words “I want to live in that building not made by hand,” she departed this earthly life Aug. 7, at her home.
In 1973, she received an Associate in Science degree in nursing (LPN), graduating with honors.
During her nursing career, she served at Wayne Memorial Hospital, O’Berry Center and Cherry Hospital.
She retired from Cherry Hospital in 1993.
In March 1990, she became the wife of Mr. Johnnie Pearson, and enjoyed 22 years with her husband.
Her commitment to the kingdom of God was shown during her service at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and Philadelphia Community Church.
In October 2005, she was elevated to the level of “elder.”
She chaired the benevolence committee. Under her leadership, the committee monthly distributed meals in various communities in the city, where she would take even from her own resources to make sure those in need were feed.
Psalm 27 was her favorite scripture, and sustained her through her life.
Friends and family remember her as a pillar of strength, a mother to her community and a rare jewel.
At the young age of 78, she became a first-time published author of her book" Let's Get Real: For Spiritual Growth and Maturity" in 2016, edited and published by her grandson, Richard A. Taylor
Those left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are four children, Aletta Taylor (Rodger), Jerome Newkirk (Joyal) of Goldsboro, N.C., Benita Hall and Keith Newkirk of Charlotte, N.C.; 12 grandchildren, Kamia Taylor, Karen McAdams (Troy), Charmaine Newkirk, Richard Taylor, Yvonne Newkirk, Byren Wynn, Gregory Hall Jr., Kelvin Newkirk, Rontrae Newkirk, Brandon (Brittany) Newkirk, Bradley Newkirk and Brian Newkirk; seven great-grandchildren; a dear longtime friend, Dolores Hayes; and other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life service honoring the life of elder Pearson will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Word of Truth Christian Fellowship, 1401 N. Carolina St., with prophet Rodger Taylor officiating.
The family will greet friends at the church for visitation one hour prior to the service and other times at the Taylor’s Residence, 1016 S. Taylor St.
The family is in the care of Serenity Memorial Funeral Home and Cremations LLC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Philadelphia Community Development Corporation (PCDC) P.O. Box 1561, Goldsboro, N.C., 27533, or PNC Bank to continue the community feedings, which expressed elder Pearson’s charitable heart.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on August 10, 2018 8:05 AM