Marie Cagle Pearson

Marie Cagle Pearson passed away peacefully July 12, 2024. She was 95 years of age.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Oakwood Cemetery with the Reverend Tom Pearson officiating.

Marie was born on February 3, 1929, in Waco, Texas. Her parents, Dr. Alvah Penn Cagle and Louise Moore Cagle, were professors at Baylor University, and much of Marie’s early life revolved around Baylor. She received her BA degree there in 1950, and her MA degree in 1951. She later taught in Baylor’s Freshman English Department for 16 years and for 1 year served as the supervisor of Baylor student teachers on the secondary level.

In 1952, Marie was married to Alton Pearson, whom she had met at Baylor. They had 3 sons, Thomas Cagle Pearson, James Alton Pearson, and Joseph David Pearson.

Though Marie taught for 26 years, 16 years at Baylor and 10 in public schools, she felt her main role in life was that of a homemaker, wife and mother. She dearly loved her family and was always keenly interested in each one’s activities. She enjoyed her home and garden and received much pleasure in making both as attractive as possible.

Marie was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Waco, where for many years she taught Sunday School classes, taught English as a second language to the Korean members, and served on numerous church committees. She was also a charter member of Lake Shore Baptist Church.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Alvah Penn Cagle and Louise Moore Cagle; an infant sister; and her husband of 60 years, Alton Pearson.

She is survived by her sons, Tom and wife Cathy of China Spring, Texas, Jim, and wife Kim of Crawford, Texas, and Joe and wife Dana of Crawford, Texas. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Erin Pearson and husband Brendan, Thomas Pearson, Katy Jansa and husband Blake, Bridger Pearson, David Pearson, Anne Pearson, and Mark Pearson and wife Alli. In addition, she is survived by 6 great-grandchildren, Genevieve, Madeleine, and Sophie Pearson-DuRivage, Gage and Colette Jansa, and Henry Pearson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Arc of McLennan County (4901 Lakewood Drive, Waco, Texas 76710), to the First Baptist Church of Waco (500 Webster Avenue, Waco, Texas 76706), to the Pearson Lectureship Fund at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center Hillcrest (100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, Texas 76712), or to a charity of your choice.

We invite you to leave a message or memory on Marie's "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.