Shirley Ann Pearson

Shirley A. Pearson, 89, passed away, Monday, April 20, 2026, at Newman Regional Health in Emporia.

Shirley Ann Murphy was born November 21, 1936, in Emporia, the daughter of Alexander Henry and Ruth Evelyn (Jones) Murphy. She graduated from Emporia High School in 1954.

She was joined in marriage to Clare Edwin Pearson on January 9, 1955, in Emporia. He preceded her in death on January 11, 2005.

Shirley was a homemaker for her family and a seamstress. She enjoyed attending 4-H and rodeo activities to support all the community kids.

She will be forever remembered by her five daughters, Mary Ann (Steve) Sanford of Emporia, Cynthia Lou (Keith) Rooke of Molino, Florida, Deanna Lynn (Marc) Wagaman of Emporia, Linda Sue (David) Miller of Vassar and Angela Dawn Cringan of Crawfordville, Florida; a daughter in law, Sara Pearson of Emporia; two brothers, Alex David (Judy) Murphy of Emporia and Jerry (Sharmin) Murphy of Emporia; a sister, Mary Edith Slack of Salina; fourteen grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Shirley was also preceded in death by a son, Daniel Joe Pearson on August 4, 2024.

A memorial service will be at a later date. Inurnment to be at Forrest Hill Cemetery near Emporia. Memorial contributions may be made to Murphy Stueve’s 4 Paws for Ability Service Dog and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.