Brenda Jean Pearson

Brenda Jean Pearson, 76, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home in Charleston on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Born on May 18, 1948, in Waterbury, Connecticut, she was the daughter of the late Geneva Guerrera (Ouellette) and Anthony Guerrera.

Brenda was a graduate of Crosby High School in Waterbury, CT, in 1966. She worked at Risdon Manufacturing and McCrory Department Store in Waterbury, Connecticut. When she moved to South Carolina, she worked at Lancaster County Natural Gas Company.

Brenda was a woman who valued faith, selflessness, and most of all family. Her life was all about her family, friends, and gathering them together. When you met Brenda, you were instantly adopted. No matter what, you would get a card in the mail for a birthday, anniversary, or celebration. She enjoyed baking, playing bingo, and was always ready for a game of cards. Holidays, especially Christmas, were always her favorite family gatherings in her home. She would buy gifts all year and make sure everyone had something to open. All were always welcome. Her only concern was making people feel connected and loved.

Brenda’s grandchildren were her pride and joy. She couldn’t wait to see them every day, tell everyone how big they were getting, and what they were into next. She would talk about them for hours, and would be at every event to cheer them on. She was also a dedicated member of the Church of the Nativity Ladies Guild where she would love to give back to the community. In addition, she taught at the Parish School of Religion, PSR. Her Catholic faith has always been a huge part of her life.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, John Pearson; her sons Joseph Pearson and Daniel Pearson of Charleston, South Carolina; grandchildren Hirsh and Thea Pearson; sister-in-law Helen Henderson Guerrera of Thomaston, Connecticut; niece and nephew Melissa and David Luke of Hebron, Connecticut; her nephew Tony Guerrera and his partner Brian; her brother and sister in law Michael and Linda Pearson of Wolcott, Connecticut, and their sons Jason (Pam), Jonathan (Jennifer), and Joshua (Michelle) Pearson; a brother Michael Guerrera and family who reside in Georgia; her favorite Aunt Pauline DeMerchant and many many cousins spread throughout New England.

Brenda is preceded in death her parents; Anthony and Geneva (Ouellette) Guerrera, grandparents: Joseph (Giuseppe) and Michela (Santopietro) Guerrera of Connecticut; and brother Anthony J. Guerrera of Connecticut.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Church of the Nativity, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston, South Carolina, with a funeral mass at noon. A reception will follow immediately afterward in the church's Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Nativity on Folly Road in honor of Brenda Pearson. nativitycharleston.org 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 614-8494.