Edith Thomas Pearson, 85

DOVER - Edith Thomas Pearson of Dover died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007, in her home following many months of illness. She was 85.

Mrs. Pearson was born Dec. 14, 1921, in Lewes, the youngest child of the late Charles T. and Edith (Pierce) Melson.

She was a 1939 graduate of Lewes High School and attended Beacom College for Business in Wilmington. Following college, she worked as a bank teller in Wilmington and then at Fort Miles near Lewes during World War II as a bookkeeper and secretary.

Mrs. Pearson married Daniel Thomas Jr. March 13, 1943. They proudly raised two children, Daniel and Barbara.

She was a homemaker in addition to working as a secretary and bookkeeper for Southern States Petroleum in Dover. She was known as "Edie" or "Nana" to the many that came to know and love her.

Mrs. Pearson loved her family, crocheting, playing the organ and decorating ornamental dolls and bears as gifts for family and friends.

The angelic spirit of this gentle lady lives on and is treasured most by her beloved family and many friends. Her kindness and dedication to family, friends and church are revered by all.

Her childhood homes in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach gave her many fond memories.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend, Daniel Thomas Jr.; her sister, Elvira Smith; and longtime friends, Florence Rubinski and Beverly Evertt.

She is survived by a son, Daniel Thomas III; a daughter and a son-in-law, Barbara Thomas and Edward Martin of Dover; a brother and his family, Charles T. and Eva Melson; a nephew, C.T. Melson and his wife, Marcia and their children, Chuck and Katie of Lewes and Rehoboth; her niece, Ann West of Jacksonville, Fla.; three grandchildren and their families, Angela Thomas Jacquemin and her husband, Randy, Edward Daniel Martin and Sandra Olivia Hatch and her husband, Clifton; two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Scott Jacquemin; longtime friends, Evelyn Bishop, Buck and Charlotte Wallace, Violet Hill, Blanche Warrington, Mickey Baker, Grace Tongue and Maxine Breasure.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday in Wesley United Methodist Church, 209 S. State St., Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Dover.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wesley United Methodist Church, 209 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com.