Joe C. "Popa" Pearson

Obituary For Joe C. "Popa" Pearson

Sumter, SC

Joe Clary “Popa” Pearson, son of the late Mr. Willie “Bill” and Mrs. Catherine McBride “Muzzy” Pearson was born on April 26, 1943 in, Sumter South Carolina.

Affectionately known as “Popa,” or “The Guitar Man”, he attended the public schools of Sumter County. He was preceded in death by 6 aunts, 5 uncles, 5 sisters-in-law and 4 brothers-in-law.

Being reared in a Christian home, he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and joined Pearson Chapel Non-Denominational Church, Sumter, South Carolina where he served as a faithful member and guitarist.

“Popa” was employed at Korn Industries and Cooper Tools for a number of years as a machinist. Although that’s how he made a living, his passion has always been music preferably Gospel Music. “Popa” was an accomplished musician. He began playing the guitar at the tender age of 17 and continued to play until he perfected his craft. As a result, he has played for various quartet groups and churches over the next 54 years until his health failed in 2014 and he was no longer able to play. Some of the groups he played for included: The Sensational Brown Brothers of Florence, SC, The Southern Six of Summerton, SC;,The Heavenly Doves and The Gospel Four both of Manning, SC, The Palmetto Gospel Singers (the first group he recorded with), Deacon Robert Burgess and The Mighty Soul Searchers, Deacon Hosea Session and the Messengers, The Abram Singers, Bill Pinkney & The Original Drifters also Bill Pinkney’s Gospel Drifters. “Popa” was also a founding member of The Pearson Family Singers and The Gospel Jubilees all of Sumter, SC. “Popa” was always there for anyone that needed a helping hand, and he has assisted many groups in surrounding areas. Aside from playing music, “Popa” enjoyed spending time with family, talking on the phone, and telling his world famous jokes. He would most often greet you with one of his personal sayings, “Wake-up and go to sleep!” or “How the health are ya?” He was a man of very few words at times, but he was very observant and would give you his honest opinion. “Popa” stood by what he thought was right and believed in being at least an hour early for service. He felt if you were on time you were late. We will surely miss his faithfulness and his unique personality.

Joe “Popa” Pearson was joined in holy matrimony to the lovely Ella Mae Walters Pearson on November 7, 1964. To this union four children were born.

On Monday, September 27, 2021, God in His infinite wisdom summoned the soul of our beloved - Joe Clary “Popa” Pearson - to rest from his earthly labor and received his Heavenly reward. Those left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of 56 years, Ella Mae Pearson; four adoring children: Dorothy Pearson, Joe Pearson Jr., Gloria (Paul) Murray, and Alesia (Lewis) Green all of Sumter, SC; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren he loved unconditionally; six devoted sisters, Minister Emma Jane (Adam) Jones, Bernice Samuel, Ella N. Pearson, and Catherine Richburg all of Sumter, SC; Willie Mae McKnight of Manning, SC and Minnie Riley of Paxville, SC; a sister-in-law, Virginia Gibson; five special friends he stayed in contact with, Anthony Taylor, Deacon Alex Spann, Pressley “Skin” Harvin, Freddie Gilbert and Matthew Cabbagestalk; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, fellow musicians and friends.

Public viewing will be held from 4:00PM til 6:00PM Friday, October 1, 2021 at Hayes F. Samuels, Sr. Memorial Chapel, 114 N. Church Street, Manning, SC.

Funeral services were held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Nation Full Gospel Ministry, 410 S. Main St., Sumter, SC. Bishop Marvin Hodge, Pastor. Rev. Hazel Charles, officiated; Rev. David Woods, Jr, Pastor David Brown, Minister Ethel McBride Richburg and Minister William McBride, Jr., assisted.

The family received friends from 4:00PM TIL 8:00PM daily at the home of his sister, Bernice Samuels, 3232 Old Manning Road, Sumter, SC. Masks required.