My daughter, Brit Eaton, posted this on Facebook recently.
“This beauty is meeting her Jesus right now. My sweet Aunt Marian... Hollywood worthy, but Kingdom destined. We shared a love of old-timey hymns, musky fragrances and Clark Gable in Gone With the Wind. 😍 She was as close to me as a grandmother yet somehow even more familiar. I will miss you, but I rest in the truth that I will see you again. 💜”
Marian Lee Liles Pearson
February 9, 1930-January 14, 2020
This picture was taken probably in her early 20s, for no specific reason that I know of. She never had any aspirations for Hollywood, but wanted to serve God instead. Admittedly she liked certain Hollywood stars — especially Clark Gable. She went to be with her Lord on January 14, 2020, at the age of 89.
Marian was the oldest child of Bruce and Viola Liles. She was the beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews, as well as her brothers Dave Liles of Mansfield, Ohio, Buddy Liles of Pensacola, Florida, and sister, Anita Williams of Sarasota, Florida. Her church loved her as one of their saints.
Marian was a talented musician who committed her life to serving God through music. She took piano lessons as a child, and only had to stop during the Depression, when mom and dad could no longer afford lessons. She was proficient on the accordion, piano, and organ, and used these talents in churches, revivals, and camp meetings. She used her skills as an organist to play for weddings in Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati area. She also had a year at Trevecca Nazarene College (now university). In 1958 she went to the Montana Avenue Church of the Nazarene and maintained her membership there until her passing. She was volunteer organist, with occasional duties at the piano.
Marian had an encyclopedic knowledge of hymns and gospel songs. I recall one time walking into the physical therapy room at the Seasons at Alexandria early in her stay there. She was seated at an exercise machine that allowed her to use both arms and legs. While doing this, she was singing a beloved hymn, something like, “It Is Well With My Soul.” Ask her the name of a hymn or song, even a popular one, sometimes just a line, and she would probably know it. Hymns and gospel songs provided a powerful expression of her faith.
Marian also loved nice clothes. She always found a way to get something really nice without paying a lot for it, and flowery things were among her favorites. She had a lot of dressy things she used for playing for weddings.
The one thing people like to recall about Marian was her pleasant, sweet personality. Even the staff at the Seasons would comment on what a sweet person she was. She always had a smile or pleasant greeting for everyone. It was the real deal. There was nothing put on about her.
Her walk with Christ was at the very core of her being. Converted as a child, she had gone through some difficult times in her life, but with God’s help managed to get back up and keep going. Her faith in God’s keeping grace was strengthened. She never missed church unless she was ill or unable to attend, as during the last year or so of her life. She served under several pastors, from Rev. Curtis Coburn to the current pastor Dr. David Crofford. They all loved her and appreciated her dedication to the church. Her faithful walk with Christ was obvious to everyone.
She impacted a lot of people during her life. One couple, Beverly and Vernon Ball, said she has been a God-send to them, and that she impacted their lives for Christ and the church. Marian played for their wedding as newly weds, and continued to be an encouragement to them. During one stretch, Marian was faithful in picking them up for church when they did not have a car. There are, no doubt, many other stories like this one that reflect a kind, Christlike heart that was Marian Pearson, ready to help where called upon. Vern and Beverly were faithful to her during the last years of her life.
She will be missed by all of us, but we rest in the assurance that her home going was peaceful and she entered the presence of God, rewarded for a life well lived for her friends, church, and most of all her Savior.
We love you, Marian. We will all miss you. Rest, now with God.
Thanks be to God.
