Carolyn Sue Pearson, 84, of Hillsboro died March 28, 2026, at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton. Ms. Pearson dedicated many years as a medical technician at BJC Hospitals in St. Louis. She worked primarily on the pediatric floors and in the emergency department. Though the work was often demanding, she considered it fulfilling and took pride in caring for those in need. She later retired from BJC. She was known as a resilient woman who stayed positive even on tough days. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and loved spending time with her dogs. She also loved being a hostess, and her home was where family gathered for holidays and special occasions. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and willingness to help others. Born Aug. 22, 1941, in Sikeston, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow "Wilson" Pearson and Gladys Johnson Pearson.
She is survived by a son: James K. (Sara) Waldo; three daughters: Kelli Waldo, Kristi (Scott) Gard and Kaci (Chris) Dixon; a brother: David (Diane) Pearson; a sister: Ginger (Tony) Stricklin; five grandchildren: Jamie (Jerry) Stanley, Adam Wittke, Matthew Pflanz, Brandon Beckerle and Brandon Dixon; three great-grandchildren: Jermaine Stanley Jr., Jamison Stanley and Abel Beckerle; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by a brother: Woodrow "Woody" Pearson Jr.; and a close friend: Cecelia "Butch" Earhart.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until a funeral service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at Ponder Funeral Home, 1120 N. Main St., in Sikeston. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston. Pallbearers are Brandon Berckerle, Chris Dixon, Scott Gard, Matthew Pflanz, Jerry Stanley and Adam Wittke. Honorary pallbearers are Chuck Earhart and Jermaine Stanley Jr. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Ponder Funeral Home.