Rev. Mario C. Pearson, Jr.’s Journey
Mario Cedric Pearson, Jr.’s journey began on February 22, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan to the late M.C. and Catherine Johnson Pearson. He received his early education from the Detroit Public School System. He was a 1985 honorable athlete and graduated from Mackenzie High School where he played basketball and affectionately received the nickname “Spider” from his Mackenzie Stags Alumni. Mario continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University, where he held the most blocked shots record in a basketball game for over a decade. He returned to Detroit and attended Wayne State University and earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Computer Science. Mario later received a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix; a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, and recently completed two units of Chaplaincy. He was employed by Nasscom as an IT Consultant. In addition to an IT Consultant, Mario was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed building.
Mario accepted Christ at the early age of seven years old at New True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan under Rev. Dr. James Jennings, Sr. He was called to the ministry of Jesus Christ at the age of twenty-seven and had served in a number of ministries throughout his walk with the Lord, providing him with the ability to provide leadership to a church. In 2007, Rev. Pearson attended True Rock Church in Melvindale, Michigan, which provided him with the spiritual guidance needed for his Senior Pastor position. In 2010, Fourth Street Baptist Church of Owensboro, Kentucky extended the call of pastorship to Rev. Pearson. He accepted the call and became the eighteenth Pastor of the historic Fourth Street Baptist Church, where he faithfully served until his earthly departure. Pastor Pearson loved his church and worked tirelessly to fulfill the vision God gave him. Under his leadership, several ministries were developed such as the Youth Connect Church, Jump Start, Men’s Fellowship, Daughters of the King, Meal and a Word feeding ministry, and the outreach ministry that has blessed hundreds in the community of Owensboro. Pastor Pearson was devoted to his calling and had a heart for the people of Christ. He loved all the members of Fourth Street Baptist Church, but he held a special place in his heart for the youth and seniors. He continued to minister to others during his final days. His influence and love for God was not confined within the walls of the church. He extended his impact far into his community, always eager to help others along the way. Pastor Pearson had a gift of meeting individuals in the community and drawing them to Christ in his own unique way. Through Christ, he found joy in the journey and wanted others to experience the same. Not only did he take great delight in delivering the Word, Pastor Pearson loved to sing praises unto the Lord. Whether at home or at church, he always had a song in his heart. You could almost always hear him singing, even if he was making up his own lyrics to a song. One of his favorite songs that he sung was “Lord, I Thank You for My Journey.” His first love was playing the drums and he would often leave the pulpit to assist when a drummer was needed.
Pastor Pearson met the love of his life and united in marriage to Rhonda Joseph in 2021. They were blessed with a blended family of six adult children. Pastor Pearson was a devoted and loving husband. He adored and spoiled his wife and her love was reciprocated. It was evident by the radiant smiles you could see on both their faces. Others were allowed to share in their love story through the photos and stories shared on their many vacations. Not only was he a devoted husband, but he was also a devoted father and grandfather. He had unconditional love for each of his children, Mario III, Kaylyn, and Kayla and extended that same devotion to Cameron, Brandon, and James. Pastor Pearson was family-oriented and often treated friends as such. He loved his family, his siblings, and his mother. She held a special place in his heart and he was often called a mama’s boy, and rightfully so. He also proudly wore the title “Sweet Mario” given to him by Granny.
Pastor Pearson had many hobbies and special interests. He was an avid lover of fish, whether it was enjoying watching them in his fresh and saltwater tanks, Koi pond, or casting a line into the water for the catch of the day. His other interests included golfing, camping, playing basketball, playing cards and Dominoes, ballroom dancing, traveling and going on cruises. Pastor Pearson was proud to be from Detroit. You could take the man out of Detroit, but you could not take Detroit out of the man. He was often found wearing something that represented the “D”
“What up Doe?” It’s a Detroit Slang!
He was affiliated with several organizations and was a member of Phi Beta Sigma and Mackenzie Stags Class of 1985 Alumni. In 2010, he received the key to the city of Owensboro and was honored as a Kentucky Colonel which is the highest title of honor bestowed by the governor for outstanding service to the community.
Pastor Pearson was preceded in death by his beloved parents, M.C. and Catherine Pearson; fourteen paternal aunts and uncles; two beloved maternal uncles who were both instrumental in his life, JP “J” Pearson and Charles Johnson, Jr.; three maternal aunts, Minnie L. Douglas, Florida A. Walkes, and Rosie M. Martinez; a godfather who was also instrumental in his life, Rev. Robert Williams; a nephew, Deon Pearson; a grandmother-in-law, Eliza Bradford, and a brother-in-law, Walter Armstrong.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024 with a smile on his face, Pastor Pearson made his earthly transition and entered the gates of heaven. We believe he left thanking God for the joy in this journey and the new journey he was entering. To forever cherish his legacy and so many special memories, he leaves his beloved and devoted wife: Min. Rhonda M. Pearson, Owensboro, KY; beloved six children: Mario C. Pearson III, Detroit, MI, Kaylyn (D’Mitri) Thompson, Owensboro, KY, Kayla Pearson, Owensboro, KY, Cameron Gaines Jr., Atlanta, GA, Brandon Joseph, Louisville, KY, and James Calvert III, Raleigh, NC; nine siblings: Terrie (Audley) Bewley, Grand Rapids, MI, Valerie (Michael Sr.) Perkins, Indianapolis, IN, Elese Pearson, Detroit, MI, Marlene (Roosevelt) Willis, Flint, MI, Geneine Armstrong, Sterling Heights, MI, Kimberly (Robert) Leyba, Avon, IN, Octavius (Michelle) Pearson, Indianapolis, IN, Ivan (Terry) Pearson, Sr., Brownsburg, IN, and Cornelius (Aisha) Pearson, Belleville, MI; a host of uncles; an aunt: Mamie Scott, Redford, MI, including a host of other aunts; nine grandchildren: Mario IV, Noah, D’Mitri Jr., Amari, Amir, Jordyn, James IV, Makiah, and Kaisyn; mother and father-in-law: Shirley and Archie Wilkins, Louisville, KY; a host of nephews and nieces; other family: fathers-in-law: Marion Jackson, Sr., Douglasville, GA and James Williams, Sr., Louisville, KY; brothers and sisters-in-law: James “Jimmy” Williams, Jr., Louisville, KY, Marion “Jay” (Tanisha) Jackson Jr., Douglasville, GA and Tiffany (Dion) Calloway, New Albany, IN; uncle-in-law, Clarence (Pam) Scott, Louisville, KY; Fourth Street Baptist Church members who he loved not just as his flock, but as family.
Visitation: Friday August 16, 3 to 7 p.m. at 4th St Baptist Church, Owensboro
Visitation: Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church
Homegoing Celebration: Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Please leave memories and messages of condolence for the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com
Care by McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 W 5th Street, Owensboro, KY 42301