Obituary of Selma M. Pearson

Selma M. Pearson (affectionately known as Mae) was born on May 6th, 1939 in the Bronx, New York to the late Wesley & Selma Sims – they were both so proud. She received her education through the New York City Public Schools System, graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1957. Selma was united in holy matrimony to the late Jackie Samuel. To this union, they were blessed with the joy of their lives, their son – David Bryon Samuel. Later, she was united again in holy matrimony to the late Boyce Pearson. To that union she was blessed with five step-children whom she loved as her own. Selma started her career as a Nurse’s Aide and then moved on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. She continued in her education and career, matriculating to a Registered Nurse – working in the hospital for quite some time. With a servant’s heart, Selma decided to take her career even further, becoming a Visiting Nurse. She retired from Visiting Nurse Service of NY as a Home Care Coordinator after 25 years of service. In September 1986, Selma joined Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. as a charter member of Kappa Eta Chapter, Inc. Chi Eta Phi Sorority is an organization of Registered Nurses that focuses on helping the community with free health testing, visiting those incarcerated, providing scholarships and many other acts of caring and kindness. During her membership, she served on the Executive Board as Financial Secretary, Correspondence Secretary, Dean of Pledgees and President of Kappa Eta Chapter; she also chaired the Fundraiser Committee and Juvenile Detention Committee. During her almost 30 years with Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc., she received several awards for “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” from VNSNY; she received the “Soror of the Year” award from Kappa Eta Chapter and the “Excellent Service to the Nursing Profession and the Community at Large” award from the Black Nurses Day Consortium. Truly, she was an asset to the communities she served! In November 2006, Selma joined Grace Baptist Church. Her infectious excitement drove her to be involved in as many ministries as possible. Selma served with the G.L.A.M. (Grace Literacy Arts Ministry), Health and Wholeness, Networking, Nurses, Stewardship and Women’s Ministries; and was the President of the “Seniors on the Move” Ministry. She was also very active on the 125th Anniversary Committee. Selma’s dedication to her church was evident in the excellence she displayed in all she did. She served in any capacity with joy because she loved the church in which she was planted. Selma endured many health challenges during her life. Having polio at a young age, suffering from a major car accident, medical issues and her most recent battle, she handled everything with optimism and fortitude. Through it all, she never complained, questioned God or said, “Why Me?”. God’s grace and strength allowed her to travel to spend what would be her last Thanksgiving and Christmas surrounded by family and friends and those who love her dearly. She always said to remember, “I did it my way” and “it is well”. She was indeed a gem! On March 19, 2015 at 1:40 AM, God dispatched an angel who whispered into Selma’s ear “there shall be no more pain and suffering; take your rest faithful servant”. She joined her loving parents and brother in the heavenly realm. Selma will be sorely missed by her son, sister, grandchildren, family and friends. Her love will be felt in the hearts and minds of her loving son David Bryon Samuel; stepchildren, Boyce Pearson (Natalie), Marlon Pearson (William), Doreen Pearson-Ward (Steven), Tyrone Pearson (Monica), Rena Williams (Pierre); grandchildren, Wykita Burns (Joey), Brandon Samuel, Tywon Samuel, Justice Samuel; great-grandson Javion Burns; sister Lorraine Bennett (Peterman); nieces Petrina Hamlin (Chuck), Ebonique Milton (Jamaar). Two very dear sisters (from another mother) LaVerne Harris and Elaine Collins; and a host of relatives and friends too many to mention.