Don "Duke" Pearson was born April 22, 1960, and was called home to the Lord on February 21, 2017. He was born in Whitewater Creek, Alabama to the late Thomas Lee Pierson and Lula Mae Griffin. He was raised by Fannie Ruth Newson and the late Marion Marshall Guster Newson. Don is survived by his three children: April Pearson (SGT Dexter Peoples, grand children: Zharya 9 and Zhavaya 4) of Savannah, GA, Dayna Pearson (Steven Nix) of Jacksonville, FL, and his son Daniel "Bubba" Pearson of Jacksonville, FL. He also leaves behind his sister in law: Fredricka Barno Warren (Allen, Markitta and late Michael; Philadelphia, PA) of Tamarac, FL and his late brother in law Walter L. Barno Jr of Atlanta, GA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Yvette Nina Barno-Pearson.
Don is survived by his brothers and sisters: Elder Donald "Pete" Pearson (Susan) of Enterprise, AL, Deacon Roy Lee Pierson (Dorothy) of Ozark, AL, Jimmie Pierson of Enterprise, AL, Elaine Flowers of Enterprise, AL, Margaret Bouiye of Daleville, AL, Annie Julien of East Orange, NJ, Fannie Wheeler (Lenord) of Macon, GA and Dorthy Byrd of Enterprise, AL. Don is preceded in death by 4 brothers and one sister. He leaves behind nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends that truly loved him.
As a teenager, he got his first job delivering newspapers for the Enterprise Ledger while attending high school at Enterprise High where he later graduated. Don attended a few years at the local Community College where he met his wife, Yvette Barno. Once married they moved to Pensacola, FL where he began working for The Pensacola News Journal, then to Jacksonville, FL to work at The Residence Inn, The Florida Times Union, and Bishop Kenny. Don later went back to his roots to Enterprise, AL where he and Fannie Newson took care of each other. The love he had for his mom was undeniable. He became a member at Gospel Faith Tabernacle C.O.G.I.C in Enterprise, AL at a young age, where he later became a Deacon. He was not shy about letting others know what God had done for him and what God had brought him through. With his ministry and studies of the Bible he would lead church prayers and testimonies. He later became a member at New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. in Enterprise. Don was a loving, caring, and hardworking family man who made the most out of any situation. Don was no stranger and definitely had a way with his words. He could bring smiles to a lot of faces with his jokes. His spirit would brighten up any room. His favorite past times were reading the Bible, cooking, spending time with his children and watching The Alabama Crimson Tide play football.
Don was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age and has battled the disease for most of his life. He went to dialysis 3 times a week only as he would say "to see his favorite nurses", suffered strokes, pneumonia, amputation and extended stays in the hospital but, with God in his heart he was able to push through each day with strength and prayer. Don Pearson was one of a kind, he would let you know they call me "Chubby Don" or you can call me "Duke." He was a Christian man who didn't mind letting you know "What The Bible Said" in any situation. The family would like to thank everyone for the love, care, dedication, and devotion he received!!! We are going to miss his infectious personality. Don Duke you are the "WONDER MAN" and WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!!