Mary Elizabeth Pearson, 91, of Alpharetta, died Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008.

In 1935, Mary graduated from Cumming High School, married, moved to the Hopewell community and became an active member of Hopewell Church for 73 years. She loved Hopewell Church and never missed a service or activity until her health failed.

Her life long love was Holbrook Camp Meeting, which she attended for 90 years and is where she accepted the Lord as her Savior at the age of 17.

Mary and her husband, Clarence, lived in the Hopewell Community where they owned Pearson's Grocery until the early 1970's. The store was a pillar in the community where Mary made numerous friends and was generous to everyone.

She was known for her love of life, beautiful smile and good cooking.

Her husband, Clarence and son, Melvin, preceded Mary in death.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Edward Richards; grand and great-grandchildren, Rev. Gary and Stacey Richards Martin, Ethan and Jed, Vince and Donna Richards, J.D., Rev. Tim and Melissa Pearson Hubbard, T.C. and Josh, David and Jennifer Pearson, Jessie and Hunter, Rodney and Pam Pearson, Hannah and Tatum; special great-niece, Janice Austin; Nell Ahrendt and Sara Kirby; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were Saturday, Aug. 9 at 2 p.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church with Revs. Alan Sutton, Gary Martin and Bud Sutton officiated. Rev. Kenny Collett conducted the graveside service and Rev. Jim Hubbard said the prayer.

Interment followed at Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery.

Ingram Funeral Home and Crematory of Cumming was in charge of the arrangements.