Jeanne Pearson Barry

Jeanne (Blackburn) Pearson Barry stepped into heaven to meet Jesus face to face on 4/3/25. She was 103.5 years old, living at Grand Victorian, Zionsville, IN. Jeanne was born 8/26/1921 to Dr (Rev) H. Otho Blackburn and Mona Ramah (Hall) Blackburn in Mitchell, SD. Jeanne lived in five different towns in S.D. where she experienced the “Dust Bowl” and a grasshopper plague. She watched Mt. Rushmore being carved.

Her next home was in Wisconsin where Jeanne was a high school cheerleader, played the sousaphone in the marching band, was a D.A.R. award recipient and senior class salutatorian. Taylor University, Upland, IN was her next destination where she majored in organ and piano; however, directing choirs was her first love. She was class president, cheerleader 4 years and did her part for the war effort working occasionally in a tomato packing plant. Upon graduation Jeanne taught one year at a private girls school in Wisconsin.

Next step, Columbus, IN. where she was hired by First United Methodist Church as their organist, choir director, and senior high director. She met Ken Pearson; they were married in 1/5/46. Son Ronald K. Pearson was born 12/8/47 and daughter Bonnie J. (Pearson) Edgerton was born 5/4/50. Jeanne’s father and mother were transferred to Broad Ripple United Methodist Church where Jeanne served well into her 90’s. Jeanne was choir director for: adult choir, children’s choir, cherub choir, hand bell choir, barbershop chorus (Rippletones) and two quartets. She was also an adult Sunday school teacher for many years, president of Esther Circle, played the organ for Bible Study Fellowship for nine years, helped with VBS, directed kids musicals and was involved with two lady’s Bible studies.

Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion and service to Jesus through her church. She touched the lives of many people and was a shining light to all who knew her. Jeanne had unwavering faith in God and had a profound impact on many.

Her hobbies included: floral alter displays, fine-art painting, trailer camping, Cub Scout den leader, Girl Scout troop leader, short term mission trips and worldwide traveling with Ken.

She and Ken were married 53 years. Ken died in 1999. Jeanne became reacquainted with her high school boyfriend Mert Barry and they were married in 2001. They had 11 wonderful years before he died in 2012.

Jeanne loved her two children, six grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She is survived and missed by children: Ron (Sally) Pearson, Bonnie (Tom) Edgerton. Grandchildren: Corey (Alexis) Pearson, Kyle Pearson Trost, John Pearson, Jake (ErinKay) Edgerton, Josh (Lolly) Edgerton, Luke (Ashlee) Edgerton.

Great grandchildren: Atticus and Waverly Pearson; Steele and Lennon Trost; Beckett and Brooks and Brady Edgerton; Jude and Clark Edgerton; Mila and Sia and Maddox Edgerton.

Jeanne attended all birthdays, recitals, concerts, sports competitions, graduations, holiday celebrations and wedding ceremonies near and far.

Her celebration of life service will be held at St. Luke’s Methodist Church Midtown in Broad Ripple at 6185 Guilford Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220 on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Visitation: 9:30-11:00 am. Service: 11:00 am. Reception buffet following service. Internment: Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jeanne Barry to St Luke’s UMC- Midtown or Salt and Light Christian Church (saltlightcc.com).

Thank you everyone for your kindness and prayers. May her memory be a blessing to all. She will be missed.