Mary Catherine Pearson

Beaumont native Mary Catherine Pearson (née Verde) passed away May 5, 2024, following a long illness. She was 78 years old.

She was born on February 14, 1946, to Jeanette Rose Verde and Jake M. Verde, the eldest of six siblings. A lifelong Catholic, Mary Catherine attended St. Anthony’s Basilica School and what later came to be known as Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. She met her husband, Randall “Randy” Pearson, in her late teens and remained married to him for 47 years, from 1965 until his death in 2012.

In addition to being a daughter, sister, friend and wife, she became a mother to three children: Kelly Brewton (née Pearson) of Beaumont, Stephen Pearson, of Beaumont, and Kevin Pearson, of Grand Junction, Colorado.

In 1992, she added a new title to her collection, becoming “Nana” to her first granddaughter, Caroline Brewton, of Leander. She was an excellent grandmother who always had an open door for a visit, an open couch for a stay, and an open slot in her schedule for an afternoon shopping at Hobby Lobby or sitting on the porch swing in the backyard, another favorite activity. Her family expanded again with the birth of Bailey Brewton (of Dallas) in 2000, and then finally, with Ava Pearson (of Grand Junction) in 2006.

Mary Catherine was a parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church for many years until illness kept her from leaving her house. She found comfort in family traditions and was proud of her Sicilian and Cajun heritage. An excellent cook, she was able to make many dishes from memory, from spaghetti to gumbo, or her daughter’s favorite, cream gravy with french fries. She enjoyed spending time with her family, live music, and going out to eat—especially Mexican food.

Her sense of style was as legendary as it was eclectic; she loved blue and white china, leopard print, and gold lamé. Somehow, she took all of these very different things, mixed them together, and created magic. Her home was filled with unusual and beautiful items, as well as approximately one thousand photos of the family she loved.

She was opinionated, stubborn, and fierce when she wanted, or sometimes, needed to be. She was loved, and she will be missed.

Mary Catherine was predeceased by her parents and Randy, her husband. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, her siblings David, Darlene, Cindy, Mike and Jackie, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703, Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas.

A gathering of Mrs. Pearson’s family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine St, Beaumont.